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Gypsy Thread
The Gypsy Thread is one of the classic effects in close up magic, performed by many magicians including Mark Wilson, Slydini, Doug Henning, David Blaine, and of course Eugene Burger. Burger's handling can be found in his book Spirit Theater (Kaufman and Greenberg, 1985).
In effect, a three or four foot length of thread is removed from a spool of thread. The thread is broken into numerous short pieces of varying lengths. One of the pieces is separated from the rest, which are rolled tightly into a little ball.
The little ball of pieces is placed onto the center of the single strand, where it mysteriously clings in place.
The two ends of the short piece are pulled. The small ball comprised of pieces jumps and dances on its little tightrope, as the ends are pulled farther apart, ultimately revealing the thread to be completely restored to its original condition.
Versions
- Gary Ouellet's Gypsy Thread video. Includes "Glow Thread" which allows you to perform it for a large audience using a UV light source.
- Lonnie Chevrie was the first to use dental floss (1975).
- Billy's Gypsy by Billy McComb, the first person to do the Gypsy Thread with yarn.