Las Cumbres’ Adult Day Service programs, in partnership with Santa Fe’s Lensic Performing Arts Center, welcomed award-winning performing artist and academic Dr. Kevin Spencer to introduce the tricks of his illusionist trade. Eight Day Service members and five staff attended the magic tricks workshop for unusual skills and spontaneous fun. Dr. Spencer is a leading authority on the academic and therapeutic benefits of simple magic tricks in educational and clinical settings. His work focuses on using the art of magic to impact and change the lives of those with developmental and intellectual challenges and others who have experienced trauma.
A variety of magic tricks were demonstrated and practiced by the members including tying a knot in a rope without using their hands; a cooperative trick involving teamwork among players placing separate handkerchiefs into a tube with magical transformation into one single handkerchief, and a member holding a single ball which when Spencer “popped” the member’s hand, it turned into two balls.
About working with differently-abled individuals, Spencer exclaims “Hocus Focus™ courses produce strategies for those involved to acquire a new skill that most others do not have – magic! By combining education with imagination and developing magic capabilities, participants will improve their abilities in planning, sequencing, organizing tasks and movements, concentration and focus, memory skills, and much more. Boundaries are removed and new comfort zones are created!”
About participating in the session, Day Servic member Richard exclaimed “yeah, magic!”.
Program Director Nanette Martinez found the experience to be “incredibly rewarding” and anticipates that magician group leader Kevin will return in the Spring.
This collaboration brought laughter, wonder, and empowerment to all involved, leaving members with not only new tricks up their sleeves but a sense of accomplishment and connection. Through this workshop, Las Cumbres and Dr. Spencer highlighted the power of creativity to break down barriers and inspire growth in extraordinary ways.
To learn more about Dr. Kevin Spencer: www.spencersmagic.com/about-kevin-spencer/