Magic tricks are one of the oldest forms of entertainment, and now magicians in Charlottesville are sharing their skills with one another.
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Hocus-Pocus Club first started in Charlottesville about 30 years ago. It's a chapter of a national organization of amateur and professional magicians. The club faded away for some time, but started up again six months ago.
"We learn and share magic with each other," said David Clauss, the president of the Hocus-Pocus Club of Charlottesville.
Whether it's a coin behind your ear or silk hankies that change color, the classic magic tricks never seem to lose their appeal.
"I got started about 10 years old, I got the old magic trick for Christmas," Clauss said.
He hopes these magical mysteries will catch on, just like they have for his 12-year-old son Nathan. He is following in his father's footsteps, and is among Hocus-Pocus' young magicians in the making.
"The Professor's Nightmare, that's one of my favorite rope magic tricks," Nathan said.
While a magician never reveals the secrets behind his tricks, Clauss said Hocus-Pocus is ready to teach anyone who is serious about becoming a magician.
"Amongst magicians we certainly share. That's how knowledge is shared and everyone grows."
The Hocus-Pocus Club meets the first Friday of every month at the Forest Lakes North Pavilion building at 1828 Pavilion Circle Charlottesville, Virginia 22911. Youth members, ages seven to 17, meet from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., then the adults meet beginning at 8 p.m.
