How to Perform the Balducci Levitation Trick
Master the classic Balducci illusion where you appear to float inches off the ground using precise spectator angles and hidden single-toe elevation.
- Read the tools, materials, safety notes, and steps below for free.
- Tap Start Camera Coach when you want hands-free voice help.
- Allow camera and microphone. Point your phone at the work; the coach watches your progress and tells you the next step.
🧰 Required Tools & Equipment
- ✓ Full-length mirror
- ✓ Smartphone on a tripod
- ✓ Video recording app
📦 Materials & Supplies
- ✓ Loose-fitting long pants
- ✓ Flat-soled sneakers
- ✓ Non-slip level flooring
⚠️ Safety Checkpoints & Warnings
- • Practice on a clear, flat, non-slip surface away from sharp furniture corners.
- • Warm up and stretch calves and ankles before practicing repeated single-toe rises.
- • Avoid practicing on rugs or slippery socks to prevent ankle sprains.
📋 Step-by-Step Guide (5 Steps)
Establish Spectator Angles
Position your audience or camera at an approximate 45-degree angle behind your right shoulder. You will be facing away from them at a three-quarter angle so your left foot is hidden behind your right foot.
- • Camera view shows the full outer profile of the right foot while the left foot is obscured behind it.
- • Standing completely in profile or facing straight away from the audience.
Set Foot Spacing and Pant Hem
Place your feet roughly 6 to 8 inches apart with your weight centered. Ensure your pant hems drape naturally over the tops of your shoes without catching on the tongue or laces.
- • Pant legs fall evenly over shoe heels with no bunched fabric.
- • Wearing tight or cropped pants that expose the inner heel mechanics.
Execute the Hidden Pivot Rise
Shift your entire body weight silently onto the ball of your hidden left foot. Lift your entire right foot completely flat off the floor by 2 to 3 inches while raising your left heel high, keeping only the hidden left toe on the ground.
- • Right shoe rises perfectly parallel to the floor while left heel lifts out of sight behind the right heel.
- • Tilting the visible right foot toe-down or heel-down instead of keeping the sole horizontal.
Hold the Peak Elevation
Lock your core and hold the peak elevation for exactly one to two seconds. Keep both feet parallel and your shoulders level to sell the feeling of floating.
- • Body remains motionless at the apex of the rise for 1 to 2 full seconds without visible leg shaking.
- • Holding the pose too long until your calf muscles tremble from strain.
Perform the Clean Drop and Reaction
Lower both feet simultaneously down to the floor with a subtle, soft impact. Bend both knees slightly upon landing to absorb the drop and turn naturally to face the spectators.
- • Both shoe soles contact the floor at the exact same moment with a relaxed knee flex.
- • Left heel drops earlier than the right foot, producing a staggered double-thump sound.
Credit: inspired by an original tutorial by NYKentertain — watch the original on YouTube.
Don’t have everything?
- No Smartphone on a tripod? Smartphone leaned against a book on a low shelf
- No Full-length mirror? Front-facing phone camera placed at floor level