In March of 2003, I had barely turned 12, and I had my first audition for the AMA Junior Society. I wore a red sequined dress and deftly performed Whit Haydn’s Comedy Ring Routine with a set of Linking Rings not much larger than the Ninja size. I didn’t know any better.
When I went back for the interview, Bob Dorian and Diana Zimmerman wanted to know who my favorite magician was. I said Houdini. When asked about my goals, I replied, “Silk magic.” Their kind letter sent a few weeks later explained what was obvious: While I was obsessed with magic, my skills and history knowledge were slightly limited.
But I was far from devastated. It sent me on a warpath to slay the dragon.