Magic Tricks

For all his verve and energetic enthusiasm, Eric de Clerc is neither educator nor demonstrator. As a published educational researcher I can say Eric is a student's worst nightmare - the 'educator from hell': rapid talking, confabulated instructions, no linking with nor integration of any performance physical movements with an actual performance. Since major portions ( and consequent audience impact) of the routine rely (as de Clerc wisely narrates) upon the performer's use of body and voice gestures and sounds, these flaws combine to create an instructional disaster. The whole presentation lacks instructional COHERANCE. Along with misleading claims regarding the purchased contents of size and colour of sponge balls included, this magic item is barely one level above a financial scam. I made the finger pointing wand myself with a piece of wood dowel, some molding clay and white paint: I learned the methods of placing, retrieving and retaining a palmed sponge ball in the mouth and in each hand by watching the original YouTube de Clerc performance and other common 'How to..' Youtube videos. One 'secret' of the effectveness of the routine/performance is the SPEED' at which it is accomplished; a 2nd secret is the RELENTLESS repetitions; a 3rd is the VARIABILITY/VARIETY of presentation of balls, body places and methods used. None of these are 'magic secrets' -they are simply or merely well rehearsed and accomplished acting. Sure, deClerc has paid his dues via his 'a trick a day' sojourn across Canada gaining him 'Magician of the Year' a couple of times during the 2nd decade of 2000 millenium, from Canadian TV companies, but educator or teacher he certainly is not.