Magic Video - The Complete Cups and Balls by Michael Ammar ( 2 Vols , ) (Digital Download)

Master the Art of Cups & Balls with Michael Ammar

Michael Ammar's 'Magic Video - The Complete Cups and Balls' offers an unparalleled, in-depth exploration of one of magic's most iconic routines. This comprehensive two-volume digital download is meticulously crafted to transform aspiring magicians and seasoned performers alike into masters of the Cups and Balls. Ammar, a true living legend in magic, breaks down every aspect with clarity and precision, making complex sleights accessible and understandable. This isn't just a collection of tricks; it's a foundational course in magical artistry.

Why Digital is Perfect for Learning Magic

The digital download format is uniquely suited for mastering the intricate art of the Cups and Balls. Forget searching through physical books or struggling with blurry VHS tapes. With just a simple click, you can instantly navigate to any specific move or technique you wish to review. Advance or rewind frame by frame, allowing you to scrutinize every subtle nuance, precise timing, and delicate misdirection Ammar employs. Three perfectly angled cameras provide an intimate, 'over-the-shoulder' view, ensuring you see the exact hand positions and techniques required for confident execution. This interactive learning experience empowers you to build a solid foundation and construct any type of routine, from simple to spectacularly complex, ensuring you grasp every detail for flawless performance.

Volume One: Building Blocks to Mastery

Volume One lays the essential groundwork, starting with fundamental props, clear definitions of terms like 'nesting' and 'loading,' and basic nesting techniques. Ammar introduces you to core skills like acting, timing, and misdirection – crucial elements for selling the illusion convincingly. You'll delve into various methods of 'holding out' and master beginning sleights such as the Fake Transfer, French Drop, Classic Pass, and Simple Transfer. Learn the secrets of secretly loading a ball into a cup from different palming positions (finger palm, thumb palm, direct palm) and master crucial steals like the Two Finger Steal and the Nesting Rolling Steal. This volume also explores a variety of 'Cool Cup Moves' like Passing One Through Another, the Charlie Miller Move, and the Flushtration Count, culminating in the development of a '2nd Level Routine' and the impressive '4 Ball, 3 Cup, 1 Final Load Routine' and even an 'Impromptu Routine.'

Volume Two: Advanced Techniques and Performance Polishing

Building on the solid foundation of Volume One, Volume Two elevates your performance to an expert level. Ammar covers advanced wand vanishes, introducing sophisticated techniques like the Mora/Vernon Wand Spin and the Drummer's Spin. Discover compelling opening positions and sequences, including 'One Ahead,' 'Two Ahead,' and Ammar's signature opening productions. The core of this volume focuses on intricate body sequences, such as the Classic Gathering, Shower of Balls, and the Click Move Sequence. Crucially, Ammar dedicates significant time to advanced methods of misdirection, covering everything from natural and special pockets to sleeves and coordinated timing of both hands. You'll explore classic ending sequences, including Vernon's sophisticated approach and the 'Engaged Spectator Ending,' concluding with creative loading systems and a detailed breakdown of the legendary Vernon Cups & Balls Routine itself. By the end of this comprehensive course, you'll possess the knowledge and skill to perform this timeless routine with astounding confidence, artistry, and a touch of your own unique style.

Original Specs

The DVD format is absolutely perfect for learning the Cups & Balls. Get to the move you're looking for with just a simple click, advance or rewind, frame by frame, to see every subtlety and nuance. From building blocks to blueprints, you'll be able to construct any type of routine needed! Plus-three cameras watch from perfect angles showing the exact timing, techniques and misdirection needed for confident performing.

Volume One

Fundamental Props
Definitions - Mouth, Top of the Cup, Nesting, Stacking, Holding Out, Fake Transfer, The Steal, Loading (Secret/Actual/ Fake), The Dirty Hand, The Clean Hand, The Inertia Move
Basic Nesting
The Super Simple Routine
Fundamental Skills #1 - Acting
Methods of Holding Out
Finger Palm
Thumb Palm
Classic Palm
Beginning Sleights
The Fake Transfer
The French Drop
Classic Pass
The Simple Transfer
Misdirecting by the Wand
Secretly Loading a Ball Into a Cup
From Finger Palm
Thumb Palm
Direct from Palm
The Tip Over Load
Loading a Nested Cup
Stealing from a Tabled Cup
Two Finger Steal
Simply Holding Inside
The Two Finger Steal Out and
Spin Around to Show Empty
Stealing from Nested Cup
Little Finger Retention/Steal
Nesting Rolling Steal
Fundamental Skills #2 - Timing
Faking the Load
The Scoop, The Scoop Clip
The Pinch Method,
The Fake Roll Out
Cool Cup Moves
Passing One Through Another
Wand Through Cup
Showing Inside Deeper Than Outside
Showing a Ball Inside an Empty Cup
Rolling a Cup
Pulling a Ball Up Through a Cup
The Charlie Miller Move
The Mendoza Move
Click Move
The Flushtration Count
The Tip-Off or "Fako" Move
Galloping Post Move
The Centrifugal Move
Fundamental Skills #3 Routining
2nd Level Routine
Fundamental Skills #4 - Misdirection
The 4 Ball, 3 Cup, 1 Final Load Routine
The Impromptu Routine

Volume Two

Advanced Wand Vanishes
Through the Fist
Through the Hand #2
The Mora/Vernon Wand Spin
Striking Vanish
The Drummer's Spin
Opening the Routine
Opening Positions
One Ahead
Two Ahead
Three Ahead
Four Ahead
Other Options
Opening Sequences
One Ahead Return Opening
One Ahead Penetration
Sequence
Three Ahead Production
Sequence
Ammar's Opening Production
Body Sequences
Assembly
Miller - Sequence #1
Miller - Sequence #2
Classic Gathering in Middle
All Gather One at a Time
Three Gather on Tops of Cups
Shower of Balls
Click Move Sequence
Two-None-Two Sequence
Reappearing Inside a Nest
Methods of Misdirection
Standing or Sitting?
Natural Pockets
Special Pockets
Pouches
Edge of the Coat
Sleeves
Coordinated Timing of Both Hands
Timing
The Loading Hand
Holding the Cup
Ending Sequences
Classic Elimination Sequence
Vernon's Sophisticated Sequence
Ending Rhythms
Malini/Garcia1-2-3-4
The Engaged Spectator Ending
Creative Loading Systems
Vernon Cups & Balls Routine
What might Vernon have
done differently?
Now-here's what you do...