Effect

A person becomes seemingly weightless and may be lifted from a chair on the index fingers of four smaller people. Although various explanations have been proposed, this classic stunt continues to mystify and amuse.

Stage 1

• The person to be lifted (choose a fairly heavy person) should sit relaxed but upright on a firm chair. Feet should be on the floor and hands in the lap.

• The four assistants should stand two on each side, one by each shoulder and one by each knee.

• Each assistant should make fists with both hands, then extend the two forefingers and touch them together gently but firmly.

• The two assistants standing by the shoulders place their extended forefingers under the seated person's left or right armpit. The other two assistants place their forefingers under the seated person's left or right knee.

• The person to be lifted thinks "down" and imagines himself or herself sinking into the chair.

• In this position the four assistants should try to lift the person. They will find it impossible.

Stage 2

• The assistants should now place their palms on top of the seated person's knee or shoulder and together extert a steady force downwards.

• While they are doing this, someone counts out loud from one to ten.

• On the count of "nine" the four assistants quickly take their former positions with extended forefingers under the armpit or knee. On the count of "ten", they try again to lift the person. The seated person should think "up" and imagine himself or herself rising into the air.

• If these instructions are followed carefully, the person will soar straight up into the air on the forefingers of the assistants.