Today we’d like to introduce you to Dal Sanders and Cinde Sanders.
Dal and Cinde are no strangers to the magic world. Dal has been entertaining families with his magic for over 40 years. He is a well-traveled entertainer who has performed across the United States and in Europe, Asia and South America. In addition to headlining his shows, Sanders has shared the stage with many well-known acts at various shows and events.
Dal Sanders served as president of The Society of American Magicians and was instrumental in having the United States House of Representatives recognize magic as an art. He was awarded the degree of M.I.M.C. with The Magic Circle in London. He is a member of The International Brotherhood of Magicians. He has also achieved Order of Willard with The Texas Association of Magicians. He was recently honored with a Fellowship Award from The Academy of Magical Arts at The Magic Castle for his work in elevating and advancing the art of magic.
His wife Cinde, joined the team almost 30 years ago with her brand of children’s entertainment. They have entertained thousands of children with their educational shows in schools, churches and libraries. They are both well-known wherever there are families to be entertained. The Duo are the hosts of the internationally syndicated television show Kartoon Circus and are viewed sharing their fun and “edutainment” on televisions, computers and smart devices around the world.
In 2016 Dal and Cinde Sanders were awarded the rights to teach the Discover Magic educational program in the North Texas region. They then founded The Dallas Magic Academy.
Tell me about the Dallas Magic Academy.
This national program is specially designed to teach key life skills to 8-12-year-old children through the process of learning to perform magic. The course was created by internationally known, award winning magician and educator Michael Ammar and his creative team after nearly twenty years of research. The program has been proven to teach essential life skills that last a lifetime, including creativity, confidence, planning and practice. Studies have consistently shown that kids who learn magic grow up to be adults who are more analytical and discerning, develop keen emphatic abilities and social skills.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
For four years, we have taught local children the art of magic in after school programs and in summer camps but when the global pandemic struck and closed those schools and camps, we decided we could take our classes online. Even with our background in television, the transition was not as easy as we had hoped. After giving ourselves a crash course in online education and transforming our home office into a makeshift television studio, we have been able to continue teaching the Discover Magic Program to hundreds of North Texas children who have found themselves quarantined at home with little to do.
We have been happy to share what we have learned with Discover Magic presenters in other parts of the world as well as picking up tips from many of those teachers.
Please tell us about the organization.
The Dallas Magic Academy is the only organization in North Texas authorized to teach the Discover Magic curriculum. This educational program is specifically designed to teach not just magic, but how to interact successfully with other people. It is often described as a life skills course cleverly camouflaged to look like a magic lesson. Kids become so engrossed and entertained in learning and performing the magic tricks that they do not realize they are also developing incredibly valuable communication skills. We also demonstrate how magic fits into a basic S.T.E.M. curriculum while enhancing the appreciation of The Art of Magic.
Every Discover Magic class features custom created props, one of the Traits of a True Magician, Top Secret Private file folders for every child and even special Bonus videos that the kids can unlock with a secret code after class. The tricks taught are specially designed for small hands and first-time learners that will not only fool adults but will develop and unlock exciting possibilities in every child.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
For the kids we work with, the main thing we offer is FUN! They LOVE coming to class and are often waiting for us before we even sign on. For the parents, the Dallas Magic Academy offers a well thought out curriculum, specially designed props and the unique training and background of Dal and Cinde Sanders and their staff. Another important characteristic of the Dallas Magic Academy is how flexible the program is. The Discover Magic courses can fit into any existing program. The 4 eight session courses have been taught daily across a week of Summer Camp, weekly as part of a school’s after school program, monthly as part of a regular “Magic Club” and now even online. In all cases, the children we serve are engaged and entertained…they have fun.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.dallasmagicacademy.com/
- Phone: 214-543-1146
- Email: info@DallasMagicAcademy.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DallasMagicAcademy/
Image Credit:
Raining Wands Photo by Michael Messing