Lady Houdini takes on MontanaFair | free straitjacket story

BILLINGS - If you thought the great Harry Houdini was amazing, MontanaFair's newest act, "Lady Houdini" is taking the fair by storm.

With a flashy smile, and a beaming personality, at first glance you might think Kristen Johnson was the escape artist;s assistant.

"I think we hit just about all the phobias that you can possibly get in a short period of time," said Johnson.

Johnson is center stage, she's no assistant, this is her show. It's an adrenaline rush, using ropes, handcuffs, even bobby pins, she frees herself from deaths grip.

"From height to confined spaces, to water, to constraints," said Johnson.

Her act features a device called the water torture cell, a stunt that pushes her to her very edge. It's danger in real time, right before the audiences eyes.

"It is by far the most emotionally draining stunt that I do, it's physically draining but it's also emotionally draining because of the psychological aspect of being locked under water," said Johnson.

Having spent over a year preparing before performing, she has mastered the art of escape.

"There is no illusion to it there are no tricks," said Johnson. "Basically I'm under water the whole time, you get to view it the whole time, there is no curtain. I'm shackled, chained and locked under the water. I average about two and a half to three minutes on one breath."

Her incredible focus has helped her shatter records only previously held by world re-known escape artist Harry Houdini.

"Harry Houdini was known to do the water cell about a thousand times in his lifetime and I have surpassed it," said Johnson. "I am at 1,474."

She says her biggest goal is inspiring others to chase their dreams.

"The biggest thing for me is having a positive impact on the lives of others and inspiring them to accomplish their goals and their passions," said Johnson.

This escape artist is tempting fate, in heels.