Phil Van Tee - also known as the zany "El Ropo" - has performed over 16,000 shows in 40 years, was nominated for the "Parlour Magician of the Year" Award by the Academy of Magical Arts (The Magic Castle) in 2012, and is the 1st Place Winner of the Magic Castle's 2009 Strolling Magic Olympics.
In this 2-DVD set, Phil performs and explains 16 tried-and-true routines including the hilarious "Ropito" and the stand-out "Card In Rope." Ropes, juggle rings, coins, thimbles, cowboy hats, paper cups, silver balls, "swirly lights," clothespins... this is strong visual magic "El Ropo" style!
2-DVD Set Includes:
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35 Minute Live Show
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16 Tricks Performed and Explained
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Over 2 Hours of Detailed Instruction
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Two Bonus Feature-Length Live Performances
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Performance-Only Tricks
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20 Minute interview with Phil Van Tee about the creation of El Ropo
"Phil is an entertainment machine and knows how to get the maximum reaction to any effect. Here he will share with you his valuable techniques that turn simple tricks into commercial routines."
- Jon Armstrong
"Like most of the veterans of the Magic Castle, it took me a while to key into the world of El Ropo. It has, however, been fascinating to watch his metamorphosis into a Castle favorite, after his having logged in literally thousands of performances here. He's a vaudevillian 'trickster' with excellent magic chops."
- Jack Goldfinger
"Phil makes audiences happy! Whenever I know Phil is performing, I bring my guests to see him. Phil is silly and his magic is amazing. He is great entertainer! If Pee-wee Herman and Will Rogers had a love child it would be Phil Van Tee."
- Paul Draper
"El Ropo surely doesn't string you along - he carefully ties together his many years as a working pro, looping practical magic and unique comedy into one big beautiful bow. Don't let his height and skill-set intimidate you, El Ropo's tricks are for magicians of all shapes and sizes."
- Rob Zabrecky
"Phil Van Tee is a charming and funny performer, one I love to watch over and over. I have worked with him many times on many different kinds of stages, and his routines keep the audience enchanted for the entire spell of his show. He is a dangerous desperado of magic!"
- Pop Haydn
"Give Phil Van Tee enough rope and he'll not only amaze an audience but entertain the socks off them. He could then take those socks and dazzle them some more! Amazing, entertaining and clever, this DVD set is a must-have!"
Mike Bent
"Phil Van Tee is El Ropo" is ISSUE #3 in the Black Rabbit Series, which features outstanding professional magicians from around the world who perform full shows for live audiences in a studio setting.
VOLUME 1
Hat Balance
El Ropo's opener where he balances a cowboy hat on his nose.
World's Fastest Knot
A lightning-fast knot tie... don't blink or you'll miss it!
Improved Threading
An impossible solid-through-solid effect where a rope penetrates another rope three times.
Figure 8 Knot
A move that cleverly ties a knot into the shape of a "Figure 8".
The Triple Knot of Zanzibar
As fast as a whip, tie three knots onto a rope!
Juggle Ring & Rope
A solid multi-phase ring and rope routine that keeps them laughing and applauding.
Ropito
Phil's hilarious trademark effect with a mini rope version of himself!
The S.O.B Knot (Card in Rope)
A jumping knot effect with a show stopping finale: a selected card is found inside a tied knot!
VOLUME 2
Coin Roll Techniques
Phil's techniques and advice on rolling coins across the fingers using different coins.
Circle of Coins
An impromptu matrix with five coins that teleport under the hands.
Spellbound Segue
El Ropo's clever use of a Spellbound sequence to hide the 'one ahead' coin following any Matrix routine.
Card in Clothespin Under Tie
A spectator's signed card appears trapped in a clothespin beneath a necktie!
Shaky Cards in the Hat
Make a dozen freely selected cards instantly reverse in the deck just by shaking a hat!
Color Surprise Pocket Knives
Phil's handling of the classic pocket knives routine, with a killer color-change ending.
Recombinant Thimbles
An epic two-hand multi-phase thimble routine that will leave them completely baffled.
Paper Cups & Aluminum Balls
El Ropo's trademark version of Cups & Balls using every day props building to a big finish.
