Shin Lim is a renowned magician known for his incredible card manipulation skills and mesmerizing sleight of hand tricks. Born in Vancouver, Canada, Shin Lim discovered his passion for magic at a young age and dedicated himself to perfecting his craft. Shin Lim's rise to international fame began in 2015 when he won the FISM World Championship of Magic, one of the most prestigious magic competitions in the world. His unique style and flawless performances left the judges and audience in awe, solidifying his position as one of the best magicians of his generation. One of his most famous routines is his performance on the television show "America's Got Talent." Shin Lim captivated both the judges and viewers with his mind-boggling card tricks, earning him the title of the season 13 winner.
On magicians sharing their secrets on YouTube
In addition to the latest edition emailed to every week, you ll find plenty of great, money-saving offers from some of the most exciting attractions, restaurants, properties and more. One might think carpal tunnel would have hampered Lim s ability to pull off amazing feats of dexterity, but if he s feeling any pain, he hides it well.
" Shin Lim captivated both the judges and viewers with his mind-boggling card tricks, earning him the title of the season 13 winner. His performances on the show showcased his ability to create illusions that seemed impossible, leaving everyone questioning reality. Shin Lim's signature move, the "Dream Act," is a demonstration of his exceptional control and manipulation of playing cards.
Shin Lim thrills with his spectacular close-up feats in Las Vegas
Be prepared for an audience participation trick right out of the gate when attending Limitless, Shin Lim’s close-up magic showcase inside The Mirage Theatre. Spoiler alert: It involves cards. Although Lim resists his act being referred to as “magic,” as in supernatural defiance of physics, he can’t argue that it’s not magical. He draws too many “oohs” and “aahs” from fans who were introduced to his spectacular brand of sleight-of-hand on America’s Got Talent and Penn & Teller: Fool Us. Once they are seated and see the plastic-wrapped rectangles in front of them, they are fully drawn into Lim’s universe.
That universe was created when Lim exchanged a future playing 88 piano keys for one that orbited around decks of 52 playing cards. Lim was diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome while preparing for a career in music, a plot point in his life that is woven into the biographical thread running through the show. The stage set-up is simple: piano, table, crystal-clear jumbo screen above the stage, mentalist Colin Cloud, and Lim’s graceful hands.
Scottish-born Cloud, himself an AGT alumni, transcends mentalist tropes with a rapid-fire delivery and razor-sharp timing. He keeps the show moving quickly with segments that contrast with Lim’s ethereal flow and graceful delivery. One might think carpal tunnel would have hampered Lim’s ability to pull off amazing feats of dexterity, but if he’s feeling any pain, he hides it well.
The ability to manage pain became crucial once the emotive pianist was bitten by the sleight-of-hand bug. Witnessing one trick, the slip force, got him hooked. A medical sabbatical from music study before he embarked on a sustained period of 20 hours a week of practice gave him a chance to refine his approach to close-up magic and develop his own tricks as well as garner a YouTube following. Increasing momentum led to his first International Federation of Magic Societies (FISM) convention in 2012. He came in sixth at the world championship held at the triannual convention, then won first place in 2015.
Television audiences were introduced to Lim that year when he appeared on Fool Us, clearly earning the respect of Penn Jillette and Teller. Like Teller, Lim creates mystique by opting to use few words, if any. The approach works great for international audiences but had to change once Lim’s path directed toward Vegas. He worked on his banter while competing on AGT during the show’s 13th season. By the time he arrived at The Mirage in October 2019, he was a polished pro who had audiences practically eating out of his hands.
Lim draws some of the most enthusiastic audiences on the Strip, creating an atmosphere that causes the proceedings at Limitless to climax in standing ovations. It’s like being part of a big club, with Lim demonstrating his skill to the music of Sting or making cards disappear, only to re-emerge from his mouth with a puff of smoke. He might just be the No. 1 close-up magic performer in the world, a virtuoso demonstrating the art of illusion in contemporary style like no one else can.
The Mirage, ticketmaster.com
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“You know, especially close up magic, no one really ever did it silently. Everyone's always talking, making jokes. . [which can be a] big time distraction. And also to tell a story. And if you don't talk, then you can't do any of those. At least that's what they told everybody when they're teaching class. And so for me to have not talked, been silent and then just do it all to music was very different. Some say it was pretty controversial.”
This routine involves him producing and vanishing multiple cards in a matter of seconds, all while maintaining a seamless flow and stunning visual effects. His mastery of cardistry and his ability to create a sense of wonder and amazement is what sets him apart from other magicians. In addition to his success on television, Shin Lim has also performed in various live shows and tours around the world, mesmerizing audiences with his extraordinary abilities. His performances are a delicate balance of elegance, artistry, and mystery, leaving spectators awestruck. Shin Lim's magical prowess has also extended beyond cards, as he has incorporated other elements such as coins and even Rubik's Cubes into his routines. No matter the prop, his performances always leave audiences questioning what is possible and what is mere illusion. Overall, Shin Lim's magic is a combination of exceptional skill, creativity, and showmanship. He has taken the art of magic to new heights and continues to inspire aspiring magicians worldwide. His ability to captivate and astonish through his enchanting performances makes him a true master of his craft..
Reviews for "The Science of Illusion: Understanding the Psychology behind Shin Lim's Magic"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with Shin Lim's Magic JTI performance. The tricks were not that impressive and it felt like I had seen them all before. The pacing was also off, with too much time spent on unnecessary banter and not enough on the actual magic. Overall, I expected a lot more from someone who has such a big reputation in the magic community.
2. Sarah - 3 stars - While I have to admit that Shin Lim is a talented magician, his show Magic JTI left me underwhelmed. The tricks were technically flawless, but they lacked the "wow" factor that I was hoping for. The performance as a whole felt somewhat repetitive, with similar card tricks being performed over and over again. I appreciate the skill involved, but I left the show feeling like I had seen it all before.
3. Mike - 2 stars - I had high expectations for Magic JTI, but unfortunately, it fell short. The show seemed hastily put together, with a lack of coherence and flow. The tricks were confusing and didn't have a clear narrative, making it hard to engage with the performance. While Shin Lim is undeniably talented, I felt like this show didn't showcase his full potential. I left feeling let down and wishing I had chosen a different magic performance to attend.
4. Lisa - 2 stars - I didn't enjoy Shin Lim's Magic JTI as much as I thought I would. The tricks were impressive from a technical standpoint, but they lacked originality. I felt like I had seen similar tricks performed by other magicians before. Additionally, the show lacked energy and excitement, with a slow pace that left me bored at times. Overall, I expected more innovation and excitement from a performer of Shin Lim's caliber.
5. Kevin - 3 stars - Although Shin Lim is renowned for his magic skills, I found his show Magic JTI to be a bit lackluster. The tricks seemed predictable, and there were no major surprises or mind-blowing illusions. The performance lacked the "wow" factor that I associate with magic shows. While the execution was flawless, I was left wanting more in terms of creativity and unique experiences.