The Effect
The magician stands a short distance from the spectators, raises both arms and slowly appears to float a few inches above the ground.
After hovering briefly, the magician drops quickly back to the floor.
From the correct angle, both feet appear to leave the ground.
Why the Angle Matters
The Balducci levitation is highly angle-sensitive.
Position the audience approximately 8 to 10 feet away and around 45 degrees behind one side of your body.
Keep the group small so everyone sees the effect from nearly the same viewpoint.
⚠️ Important
Anyone standing too far to the side or behind you may see the supporting foot and discover the method.
The Secret Position
Stand with one foot nearer the audience and the other farther away.
The nearer foot will appear to rise completely from the ground. The farther foot provides the hidden support.
Your trousers, the nearer foot and the spectators’ restricted angle conceal the supporting toes.
Set the Audience
Turn slightly away so spectators are viewing you from the correct rear-side angle.
Keep your feet close enough together that they appear to move as one unit.
Begin the Rise
Slowly lift the nearer foot completely from the ground.
At the same time, rise onto the toes of the farther foot.
Keep the supporting toes hidden behind the raised foot and trouser leg.
Hold the Illusion Briefly
Pause for only a second or two.
Raise your arms, tense your body slightly and look as though the lift requires concentration.
Drop Back Down
Return both feet to the ground quickly and together.
The sudden landing gives the levitation weight and makes the brief rise feel more dramatic.
Why It Looks Convincing
Spectators assume both feet are rising because the visible foot clearly leaves the floor.
The hidden support foot is only lifting onto its toes, but the angle prevents the audience from seeing that detail.
The illusion is strengthened by slow upward movement followed by a fast landing.
Presentation Tips
Build anticipation before rising. Ask the audience to watch your feet.
Move upward slowly, but do not remain in the raised position too long.
Avoid turning your body during the effect.
Perform on a flat, stable surface and wear trousers that help conceal the supporting foot.
🎩 Magic Tip
The levitation should look difficult. A small amount of body tension, controlled breathing and concentration makes the rise feel more mysterious.
Common Mistakes
Do not perform for a wide semicircle of spectators.
Avoid lifting too high. A small rise is more deceptive.
Do not hold the position for too long.
Keep the supporting heel hidden and the feet close together.
Practise your landing so it looks controlled rather than awkward.
Practice Exercise
Rehearse in front of a mirror positioned at the audience’s viewing angle.
Record yourself from several nearby positions to discover where the method becomes visible.
Practise with one trusted friend before attempting the illusion for a group.
About Televised Versions
Some televised levitation sequences may combine different methods, camera angles and edited audience reactions.
The Balducci method explains the restricted-angle view in which the performer appears to rise a small distance.
Any explanation of additional television shots should be treated as speculation unless confirmed by the performer or production team.