Magic and the Magical

Some forty years ago I sat with my young children in the Julia Morgan Center watching a magician. The young audience was enthralled. I was shocked to see that I could see: hands moving, false assumptions, diverting movements. There was no real magic - just tricks. Bold colors to hold the eyes, lock the gaze, keep the audience from seeing. On another outing, watching the hooded juggler perform his blind act of danger I burst out laughing as I suddenly remembered my brother with t-shirt pulled over his head performing his blind “I’m -Going -To- Get -You “ routine. The choreography of magic was always center stage.

Beyond smoke and mirrors is real magic. The kind of magic which transforms. The cheerleaders put on a uniform and they become bouncy, energetic, perky, spirited. Together they bend, twist, stretch and they have posed in formation creating a symbol greater than the parts. They may not be carrying the ball, but they, too, are a team. And as halloween presents the opportunity to take on any desired character, the little boys don costumes of strength and power transforming themselves into animals and robots ready to fight and conquer. The little girl dresses up as the cheerleader –not the performing athlete of heroic goal –but something else magical: a shiny, pompom- shaking teenager...

Just so, the teenagers set off for their prom in formal attire. Here is another aspect of costume as they dress up for a lifestyle which is not their everyday-blue-jean-routine. The tuxedos and the gowns and flowers spread a Cinderella spell and the young people step out as costumed adults. And that adult nightlife holds the allure of glamour. The watchful may notice the smoke and mirrors.