1. Home
  2. Hobbies & Games
  3. Magic & Illusion

DVD Review: Incredible Dancing Paper Napkin

About.com Rating 5

By Wayne Kawamoto, About.com

This DVD explains a visual dancing paper napkin that you can perform anytime and anywhere. It uses a real napkin that has been examined by a spectator or has just come out of a restaurant dispenser. And there are no strings, threads or wires. This one is absolutely fantastic.

Real Napkin

You take a napkin from a table and straighten it out, and then, the napkin begins to move in either direction. It’s not the kind of effect where the napkin flies around, it quickly bends in either direction while held in your hands and is completely under your control. Scott Francis teaches some fun moves and bits. At the end, you crumple the napkin and throw it away.

You make the simple gimmick out of a common, everyday household item that you can buy at any grocery or warehouse store. And it’s also available at your local dollar store. It takes about a minute to make each gimmick and it’s very inexpensive, probably pennies for each performance.

Clever Gimmick

You'll never guess what the gimmick is made from and an accomplished magician/engineer probably couldn’t build a better gimmick that does the same thing. This is a downright brilliant adaptation.

The effect can be performed in strolling situations and even works on stage. In strolling situations, you have a bit of an angle issue to work with, but this is only during the setup. It’s not difficult to learn or perform.

Visual Illusion

I was pleasantly surprised with this one. “Incredible Dancing Paper Napkin” is a visual, eye-catching and low-cost illusion that packs small and plays big. I’m ready to give it a good go at my restaurants this weekend.

-Wayne N. Kawamoto

MSRP: (US) $25

Dealers can purchase from Murphy's Magic Supplies, Inc.

User Reviews Write Review

Explore Magic & Illusion

About.com Special Features

Scrapbook Technique Gallery

Use these ideas to inspire your own uniquely beautiful pages. More >

Price Your Collectibles

Find out how much your treasured collection is worth. More >

  1. Home
  2. Hobbies & Games
  3. Magic & Illusion
  4. REVIEWS:Tricks, DVDs, Books
  5. Incredible Dancing Paper Napkin

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.