Rise of magic in women Throughout history, men have usually been in charge of magic. However, things are changing as more and more women take the lead. Their work challenges stereotypes and changes how people think about this art form. One of these people who is making a difference is Anna DeGuzman, who won second place on "America's Got Talent" and is a rising star in the field of magic.
"I utilize the fact that I'm unique to my benefit," stated DeGuzman. However, the difference is still noticeable. Approximately 8% of stage magicians are women, a figure that a new generation of female performers are committed to altering.
The Magic Castle, an exclusive club in Los Angeles for members of the Academy of Magical Arts, discloses that approximately 8 percent of professional magicians are women, as stated by Gay Blackstone, an experienced illusionist. The difference is caused by various variables such as gender bias, clothing restrictions, and the belief that women are most effective as audience distractions.
In the past, there has been a lack of women in the realm of magic. They were frequently assigned the job of assistance rather than the primary performance. The perception is gradually shifting as more women are becoming more prominent.
"There's no reason why women can't be equally remarkable as men," stated Blackstone. Blackstone anticipates an increase in the number of women participating in magic in the future as a new generation of illusionists learn to adapt traditional techniques and personalize them.
Nicole Cardoza, who has expertise in performing currency tricks, is among the few Black female magicians in the field. She has been traveling the country for more than two years, giving performances at universities, churches, and conferences. Cardoza combines narration, instruction, and illusion in her performances that pay tribute to Ellen Armstrong, who is thought to be the first African American woman to go on a traveling magic exhibition during the 1900s. Her performances question the conventional idea of who is seen as mystical or otherworldly.
Anna DeGuzman incorporates cardistry, or the art of card flourishing, into her magic, aiming to revive interest in a skill that is described as “a ballet of cards.” DeGuzman impressed the judges on "America's Got Talent", including the hard-to-please Simon Cowell, with her unique tricks. She believes her difference is her advantage and hopes to inspire more women to practice magic.
"I'm one of the few, and I hope to inspire more girls tonight," said DeGuzman.
One of the challenges for female magicians is the wardrobe. The suits that many male magicians wear are not suitable for women. DeGuzman initially dressed in casual street clothes before settling on a style that was feminine, modern, and practical.
The lack of female role models in the field is another hurdle. DeGuzman, like other female magicians, had to carve her path without a female magician to look up to.
The rise of women in magic is a slow but steady process. With more women like DeGuzman, Cardoza, and others stepping into the limelight, the perception of women in magic is changing.
As Gabriella Lester, a young magician and a member of the Junior Society at the Academy of Magical Arts, puts it, "I created the person that I would have wanted my younger self to see and be like, ‘She’s cool. That’s what I want to do.’"
The future of magic is undoubtedly exciting, and these women are leading the charge. The only trick left to perform is breaking the illusion of a male-dominated stage, and these women are proving that it's a trick they can definitely pull off.