Barbara B.
Google
Although I train circus apparatus (aerial silks, straps, duo trapeze, rope, etc.), flying trapeze has always scared me a lot. When my friends and I headed to NYC, we signed up for a flying trapeze class, and I just kept swallowing my fear.
Trapeze School New York (Pier 40) welcomed us so warmly at the front desk, and we discovered kindred spirits in the staff (circus people are the best types of people). Our class was the last of the day, but the staff was still high energy, informative, and friendly. The class consisted of students with varying levels of skill, athleticism, and nerves, but the staff handled everyone so well.
Before you get up on the trapeze, an instructor talks you through the body movements needed and the corresponding instructions. Every student receives a tight belt with metal loops. Even before you set your foot onto the ladder to climb up to the platform, you are hooked into the lines. At the top of the platform, an instructor greets you and transfers you to new lines, talking you through each step.
Once your hands are on the flying trapeze, you are given commands for every movement. An instructor on a mic tells you exactly what to do, which allows you to focus despite possibly feeling overwhelmed by the movement or scared. With the lines secured tightly to your belted waist, you have added support throughout. Falling to the net is not scary, and it feels a bit like landing on a trampoline.
I loved my flights with TSNY, and I would do it again. And wish I could do a class right now! Thank you so much to Randy, Rory, Kirby, and Micah for their expertise!