Dan is a great magic teacher. He always explains everything so clearly. He takes his time with
demonstrating all the steps of each trick. Anything with Dan is going to be good... even silk and
rope penetrations.
To be honest, even though Dan intelligently puts a more modern spin on
this, which I appreciate, the subject is still kinda meh to me. For me personally, the false knots
seem really obvious. Now, perhaps most people aren't born with this topographical analytical
ability... so for most, I suppose these can be quite mind blowing. To me though, it just seems
really obvious.
I see these tricks as perhaps filler between other tricks or just something
cute to show some kids. Again, maybe it's just me. It's just my opinion. Silks and ropes are just
not my thing I guess.
I definitely don't want to penalize the product just because it's not
my favorite thing. After all, when it comes to silks and ropes, perhaps this is a dream come true.
Because of that, I'm giving the lesson an overall score of 4. Dan usually earns a 5 in my book for
his succinct teaching. Personally, I want to give this subject a 2 or 3 because I'm totally bored
with it. But again, I don't think it's right to penalize the product just because it's "not my
thing". So, objectively, if I wanted to learn silks and ropes, I'm sure I would enjoy this one as a
beginner.
Dan, keep it up on the Tarbell project! You're taking some old stuff and making
it new again and I appreciate that. It certainly must be a tedious marathon at times... keep up the
good work and thank you for being an awesome teacher.
3 of 4 magicians found this helpful.
... is the most exciting thing about this lecture. Dan does a terrific job teaching the silk and
rope techniques but it's that ingenious tie production that makes this lesson relevant.
2 of 2 magicians found this helpful.
This is yet another example of Dan Harlan demonstrating his wonderful teaching! Silk and rope are
not exactly the most interesting props, and yet Dan manages to make them more relevant and
entertaining, as well as clearly teaching material that otherwise might "read" a tad bit boring.
That is a talent and is why I have always been a fan of his.
This series is great and goes to
show how much "old" material can look wonderful when performed in a "new" light.
Thanks also to
Penguin Magic for making this possible.
2 of 2 magicians found this helpful.
Thabks so much! I'm going to be performing this at a convention soon in january
2 of 2 magicians found this helpful.
Does Dan Harlan have anything left to prove at this point? Only to himself. He's taken on the
Herculean task of not only recreating every effect in the hallowed Tarbell course, but also
modernizing the tricks through his own unique filter.
Obviously, here's a man that loves a
challenge, because some of the material in Tarbell hasn't aged well or wasn't that strong to begin
with. But there sure is A LOT of it. Much of the excitement in this epic quest is discovering
exactly how Dan will tackle the latest lesson.
This particular episode, for me, is not one of
the more memorable ones. The sharpest effect is Dan's own appearing tie. After one or two silk knots
tied to a rope come free, you're more or less over it.
Don't blame Dan. His alchemy only
goes so far. Not everything in Tarbell (or any other course, book or DVD) is going to be GOLD, but
it doesn't stop any of us from still digging. The beauty of magic is that the search for the Holy
Grail never really ends, it's a lifelong pursuit. Sometimes the so-so tricks you stumble upon
inspire YOU to create something wonderful.
Personally, I probably won't be using any of the
effects in this lesson. So minus a star for that. But as far as Harlan's commitment, enthusiasm,
creative thinking and performance,there's probably not a rating high enough. I've found everything
that I've bought that he created to be fine gold indeed.
1 of 1 magicians found this helpful.
I'll join the rest and write, AS USUAL, Dan does a great job with this material. However he also
pays attention to the details of the stage and costume sets up. Without the attention to detail
these releases would just be trick knots. The video is fast moving, and as with the others in this
series a shout out goes to the editing. There is no down time, no wasted angles, no useless slo mo.
1 of 1 magicians found this helpful.
At my job, I can't have any electronic device, paper, pens, pencils. Paper must all be laminated so
I did laminate a few playing cards to perform at work. I love using everyday items and I am known
for my tie collection. Now I can perform more than the 3 rope trick! Thank you Dan!
1 of 1 magicians found this helpful.
I am new to the subject matter covered here, but found the lesson very interesting. Dan's
instruction is always extremely clear and thorough. I appreciate that he repeats the steps to each
knot to ensure the audience understands it and also saves us from having to rewind. I really enjoyed
the kicker ending to the silk & rope penetration routine. My favorite piece from this lesson, and
the one I am likely to actually use is the triple handkerchief release. It's quick and easy and
involves audience participation.
1 of 1 magicians found this helpful.
I use rope with different knots regularly in my acts so this was a nice refresher with a few extra
ones that I've never used before. The tricks by themselves, while fun, are not really strong. Dan's
routining is great though and his kicker ending with the appearing tie is genius and it packs a
great punch.If you use rope or silk in your act you will find this lesson worthwhile.
1 of 1 magicians found this helpful.
As usual, Dan is a great teacher. He knows how to cover all the correct angles so you can learn all
the various knots and ties.
He amazes me with his expertise in every field of magic. You
can never go wrong getting one of these courses taught by Dan.
1 of 1 magicians found this helpful.