Meraux Dantes: The Orlando Mentalist Who Connects with Your Mind—and Your Heart
Get ready to meet Orlando mentalist Meraux Dantes, a master of the art of magic and mentalism. In this article, we'll explore Meraux’s journey into the world of mentalism, his dedication to understanding and connecting with his audience, and how his performances are not just about the tricks, but also about the stories behind them. Get ready to be amazed and inspired by the incredible talents of Orlando mentalist Meraux Dantes.
Journeying into Mentalism
Orlando mentalist Meraux Dantes is a master at connecting with his audiences through the art of hypnosis, magic, and mentalism. For over 15 years, he has been delighting audiences with his unique blend of showmanship and suggestion.
Growing up in New Orleans, Meraux was fascinated by the city’s rich history of magic and mystery at an early age. He recalls being completely mesmerized by demonstrations of mental magic, psychic phenomena, and mind over matter.
He can also remember being in awe of the street performers, tarot readers, and mystics in the French Quarter, which is where he witnessed his first mental magic trick involving a solid steel ball bearing that could expand and shrink in size with just a thought. It sparked his interest in performing magic and mentalism and his journey into mentalism began.
Expanding his Mentalism Reach
“I began to notice that the end result of experiencing magic and mentalism can often excite and uplift a person or a group of people,” Meraux says. “It can shift their mental state and mindset. It can feel as if they are filled with energy, amazement, and wonder and leave them buzzing.”
It wasn’t until he met tarot reader, Enrique Enriquez, and hypnotist, Anthony Jacquin in the early 2000s that Meraux’s passion for performing mentalism and using suggestion really took off.
“Training with Jacquin, I quickly discovered how powerful our minds can truly be, and I immediately began to develop hypnotic techniques and use influence within both my personal and professional life. I used self-hypnosis to lose over 50 pounds of excess weight and was able to develop better eating and sleeping habits. My own shifts, changes, and progress led me to share hypnosis with others.”
Meraux Dantes performs four days per week at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort in Orlando
Meraux’s love for mentalism and mental magic led him to join Kostya Kimlat’s team of See Magic Live magicians in 2014. “Kostya is a phenomenal leader, and we’ve built an equally phenomenal friendship together. He has the uncanny ability to draw the best qualities out of a person and at the same time, help develop areas that need attention too.”
Meraux continues, “Our team consists of compassionate, understanding, and down-to-earth people, who happen to be incredible entertainers and magicians.”
Over the years, Meraux has performed at a variety of extraordinary events and venues. He has been featured in publications like The New York Times and on ABC’s talk show, The Chew. For eight years, he has even been the resident mentalist at Walt Disney World.
Meraux’s authenticity and ability to connect with his audience sets him apart from other performers. When Meraux is not performing at corporate events in Orlando or around the country as a mentalist, he teaches self-hypnosis to people and helps them get what they want most out of life. “I love sharing what I’ve learned over the years and helping people achieve more and live the life of their dreams,” he says.
Creating Connection with Audiences
Orlando mentalist Meraux Dantes specializes in creating authentic connections with his audience members.
Meraux’s ability to connect with his audience comes from his dedication to understanding them. He says, “I spend a lot of time thinking about the guest experience and how they will interpret my material and performance. For me, it’s all about making my guests feel powerful, special, and connected.”
One of Meraux’s favorite things to share involves making a good luck charm for an audience member. Asking them to focus on positive thoughts, he begins to warp and transform stainless steel cutlery, borrowed coins, keys, and jewelry into energy-charged pieces of art, right in front of your eyes and in your own hands.
Meraux’s performances are not just about the tricks, but also about the stories behind them. “I love to share personal experience, anecdotes, and narratives within my performances,” he says. “It’s not just about the reveal, but also about the steps we take to there.”
Meraux is always finding inspiration for new tricks and routines. He says, “Inspiration comes from everywhere—from books, movies, and even everyday life. It’s important to stay curious and keep learning.”
Meraux’s dedication to his craft has earned him a reputation as one of the most talented and authentic mentalists in the business. He says, “I am very happy with the work I do, but it’s not about me. It’s all about the audience and giving them the best, most astonishing experience possible."
Leaving a Lasting Impact
Meraux inspires the audiences he entertains, including at Walt Disney World’s Boardwalk Resort, where he performs four evenings per week.
Meraux says, “I enjoy performing mentalism the most because it involves engaging with the audience on a deeper level. It reminds me that we are all more similar than we tend to notice and that energy goes where attention flows. It’s not just about the trick, but also about the psychology behind it.”
Meraux’s ability to connect with his audience deeply comes from his experience as a hypnotist and believes that his ability to connect with people on a deep level stems from a combination of trust, influence, and suggestion. “It’s about understanding the subconscious mind and how to use it to your advantage.”
Meraux’s performances are not just about entertainment, but also about inspiring others.
“It is my aim that everyone that watches and participates in my shows leaves feeling celebrated, playful, happy, and rejuvenated,” Meraux explains.
Over time, Meraux has earned a loyal following of fans and clients. He says, “I am grateful for the opportunities I have had and the people I have met along the way. It’s all about creating memorable experiences and making a positive impact on people’s lives.”
While Meraux has received countless positive reviews for his performances, one particular review comes to his mind and is particularly meaningful to him. It came during the isolating days of the pandemic when Meraux performed a virtual mentalism show for a company. The review read in part, “Meraux did a great job of entertaining us and engaging each one of us in the show. This was a great way for our team to disconnect from many trying weeks at work. I’m still stumped!”
In addition to performing, Meraux is also a mentor and coach to aspiring magicians. “I love to share my experience with students that share a passion for magic and mystery. It’s important to me to pass on what I've learned and help others.”
Meraux’s advice to aspiring magicians is to have fun and work hard. “Focus on developing both your personal and professional character. Magic is a lot of hard work, and it can also be a lot of fun. It’s important to enjoy what you do and stay true to yourself.”
To book Meraux Dantes to perform magic at your event, contact See Magic Live at booking@seemagiclive.com, call/text 407-367-4133, or contact the booking team here.
