Basking Ridge Cop, Magician Has Some Tricks Up His Sleeve

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — There is magic in Basking Ridge with Nick Dante serving as an officer on the Bernards Township Police Department.

Aside from saving lives and keeping the community safe, Dante also serves as a magician.

"Nick's magic performances are amazing to watch. He really knows his stuff and does an awesome job entertaining people with it. He is very talented and has been kind enough to perform at a number of our community events exemplifying the human side of police officers. His act is always a crowd pleaser and he really utilizes is wonderfully to break down barriers with people," said Bernards Township Police Chief Michael Shimsky.

Dante has been serving with Bernards Township for almost three years. Prior to coming to Basking Ridge, the Bound Brook native served as a Somerset County Sheriff Officer for two years and before that with the Auxiliary in Plainfield.

"It will come off as corny but I always wanted to [be a police officer] as a little kid. I was raised with good morals and a strong conviction of right and wrong and really enjoy helping people," said Dante. "You can't be a police officer in this day and age if you don't truly do it for the right reasons."

While Dante prides himself in helping others, he also has a surprising passion and side gig as a magician.

"Everyone is always shocked when they find out I do this," said Dante.

His love for magic began when he was eight years old during his family's first big vacation on a Carnival cruise ship where he saw a magician perform.

"It was my first time seeing magic live and it was awesome. I thought it was the coolest thing ever," said Dante.

Onboard the ship they were selling magic sets and Dante begged his dad to buy him one. His dad caved and Dante spent the rest of the vacation going up to random people and performing tricks.

"Ever since then it stuck with me," said Dante.

At just 14 years old, Dante would perform paid gigs at local restaurants such as the Green Knoll Grille. He specialized in up-close, sleight of hand magic.

"I do more walkarounds where I approach a small group of people and perform and connect with them," said Dante. "It is more personal versus a giant illusion on stage."

After some time he took a break to pursue being a police officer, but the magic bug hung around until about a year ago when he decided to try it again.

Dante recently performed at Bernards Township Mayor's Fall Festival earlier this month. He also performs at corporate vents, weddings, birthday parties and teaches magic through zoom for adults and kids.

"I would've loved to do it full time but it is not practical and now I am in a positon where I can have the best of both worlds," said Dante.

Dante said magic helps him to connect with residents in a positive way.

"Doing magic helps humanize this profession," said Dante. "The way I am passionate about magic is the same way I am passionate about law enforcement."

For more information on Dante or to book him for an event visit instagram.com/nick_dante_magic or email nickdante28@gmail.com or call 908-295-9663.

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