The Art of Not Giving a F*ck: Sprezzatura by Alex Hansford

by Wouldn’t you like to know?

Good evening, everyone!

Have you encountered Alex Hansford? If not, you’re missing out on something exceptional.

Aside from boasting one of the most impressive hairstyles ever (I may or may not have had a cheeky encounter with that glorious mane), Alex is a remarkably humble and talented individual with expressive eyebrows.

During a magical evening a few years back, I had the pleasure of spending time with him, witnessing some of the most innovative ideas and techniques I had come across in a while. His releases, including Hessian, Gödel, and Hashtag, truly embody the essence of having real magical abilities. His performances are just as flawless in person as they appear on paper.

When Alex announced his lecture notes, I eagerly reached out, playfully requesting a copy before I got too carried away with his hair again. And here we are.

The notes feature seven well-explained items, complete with stunning photographs and clear instructions. It’s evident that Alex is passionate about his craft and dedicated to sharing it. The title reflects the Italian concept of nonchalance, which perfectly encapsulates Alex’s approach—studied yet effortless.

I thoroughly enjoyed these notes, as they not only introduced new effects and presentations but also provided insightful discussions on methods and how to enhance our performances for both the audience and our own satisfaction.

Shall we dive in?

Card to Pocket: This concept, often overlooked, is well-articulated. The choreography is thoughtfully explained, making it a delightful read.

Also, kudos for using the term ‘doddle’; what does that even mean?

Micro Breaks: I particularly appreciated the reference to a Bill Simon control, enhanced by Will Houston’s elegant twist. I hadn’t realized the awkwardness of the original until I saw Houston’s improvement, which feels much more natural. This discussion alone is pure gold. The accompanying photos illustrate how effortlessly these controls can appear while maintaining complete control.

Mystery Card: This method, attributed to Harapan Ong (Hi Harapan!), employs a variation of a control that offers a refreshingly direct experience for spectators. Although the explanation of the card transformation in the pocket is somewhat brief, Alex provides a basic approach. I would have appreciated a deeper exploration of this phase.

Instant Assembly

Diamond Cut Diamond

Cull Effect

A Childish Spelling Trick

So, what’s the final verdict?

Surprise! Check out this video of Alex performing something from the notes.

I genuinely enjoyed these notes. Although I missed attending Alex’s lecture, the material resonated with me. It’s fresh, practical content that doesn’t claim to be ‘revolutionary’ but instead offers a new perspective on classic effects and techniques familiar to card magicians.

The quality of the work and layout is outstanding, though a few items lack the depth and discussion seen in earlier sections. Nevertheless, I would gladly purchase these notes again, especially for the card-to-pocket ideas and controls Alex shares. And yes, his incredible hair may have influenced my enthusiasm a bit…

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