Hero Worship

School was in tonight. The unparalleled Dennis Forel, a regular and valuabled performer at the Magic Castle, generously interrupted his set to instruct a colleague (though - truly a subordinate) in the finer arts of the craft.

Let's back up. Among the most coveted talents in magic (and in all performance arts) is the art of story. Dennis has it...in spades (pun acknowledged).

He has even distilled the craft to five, hilarious, and accurate rules: (1) don't tie your know to tight, (2) don't inflate your balloon all the way, (3) work from the knot down, (4) always use least three twists when locking in a balloon, and (5) be careful.

Dennis also has one (if not the only) balloon patters in the biz. It means the difference between leaving with a balloon and a memory.

Life is full of teaching moments. Rarely do they come in rapid succession, with a whiskey in-hand, and among friends. November 19, 2017 was the exception that broke the rule. I'm indebted to you, Dennis, for breaking your set to explain the nuances of a vacuum seal, popper-gun, and the two layer parrot that, one day, I'll complete out of sheer, brutal, stubbornness.

In addition to Dennis, I want to thank Brady Ketchum and his wife, Nicole Ketchum, for not only getting my out to the Castle, but appreciating those that do what I love to do. Brady, if you're reading this, this website is mostly your fault. And Nicole, your husband's a ginger; surprise.

Please visit and support my friend and mentor, David Forel, at his website: http://www.balloonacy.com/.

Thanks,

-R