Techniques Without Real Fleas
Some flea circuses may appear to use real fleas, but don't. A variety of electrical, magnetic, and mechanical devices have been used to augment exhibits. In some cases these mechanisms are responsible for all of the "acts," with loose fleas in the exhibit maintaining the illusion.
Some "flea circuses" do not contain any fleas at all and the experience and skill of the performer convince the audience of their existence.
In much the same way that viewers know that a woman won't really be cut in half, the magician's showmanship allows viewers to suspend disbelief in order to enjoy the show.
Read more about this topic: Flea Circus
Famous quotes containing the words techniques, real and/or fleas:
“The techniques of opening conversation are universal. I knew long ago and rediscovered that the best way to attract attention, help, and conversation is to be lost. A man who seeing his mother starving to death on a path kicks her in the stomach to clear the way, will cheerfully devote several hours of his time giving wrong directions to a total stranger who claims to be lost.”
—John Steinbeck (1902–1968)
“Understanding replaces imaginary fears with real ones.”
—Mason Cooley (b. 1927)
“A reasonable amount o’ fleas is good fer a dog—keeps him from broodin’ over bein’ a dog, mebbe.”
—Edward Noyes Westcott (1847–1898)