Extreme Team: Flying Into a Circus Near You

When first arriving to Trapeze Schpol of New York in Washington (TSNY), the sight of the enormous trapeze overwhelms you. But be aware, this is just an initial reaction. Once up in the air, your fear will becomes a thing of the past.

After signing in and putting on the safety belt, fliers must take a ground course with their catcher, who explains what the belt is for, how to harness yourself when climbing up the ladder, how to mount, what “Hep” means, and how to position yourself on the bar. The instruction is followed by a quick demonstration, with assistance on how to bring your legs up and hook them onto the bar. The demonstration is difficult, but when executed at the right time, it is effortless in the air.

Safety

Trapeze is completely safe. The instructors require students wear a safety line tightly attached to their safety harness as they climb the ladder, and also as they are flying through the air. There is also a soft safety net secured about nine feet above the ground.

One thing that people may find difficult about the trapeze is the strain put on the hands. To counter this, the TSNY provides tape and plenty of chalk, which also works to absorb sweat and reduced slippage. The safety precautions are so successful that according to the staff nurse, the most serious injuries she has had to deal with are a few minor cuts and bruises–nothing a simple first-aid kit can’t handle.

Attire should be comfortable sporting clothes, with the bottoms extending past the knee, since the student will be swinging from his or her knees. Women should wear sports bras.

Ready, Set, ‘Hep’

As first time fliers, Crystal and I were nervous and didn’t know what to expect. I went first, clipping the carabiners to each side of my safety belt, and climbing 23 feet up the ladder. Once I stood on the platform, I was told to chalk up. I took the bar in one hand, and the instructor told me to put my other hand on the bar as he held my belt. I got in the “ready” position. He yelled, “Hep,” the command for the flier to jump and I jumped.

At the highest point, the ground instructor will told me to swing my legs up and hook them. Once the hook is achieved, I let go of the bar and practice the catch position. I then brought my legs back down, as the ground instructor helped me back-flip off the bar. After about three swings and this changes depending on how fast the class moves–the catcher is set into place, so I could finish the trick with one last bang.

It took a few tries to get the hang of it, but eventually we both got our legs hooked on time and perfected our technique.

Instruction and Prices

The instructors that lead the classes are extremely patient and are used to working with people at different skill levels. Each class has ten students for a two-hour period, and in most classes there are at least three instructors: one working the lines, one working the board, and one catching.

The instructor working the line typically yells specific instructions to the student; the one working the board ensures that the safety harness is secured to the appropriate lines; and the one that is catching works with the students who progress far enough to try that trick. Each instructor encourages aspiring trapeze artists.

Trapeze is so simple that anyone can do it. Children from age five and up are permitted to fly.

Classes on weekday mornings are $45 for a two-hour session. Weekday evenings are $51 per session, and weekends are $55 per session. There is a $20 one-time application fee for first time-flyers, and there are flying packages available for those who wish to pursue the sport. For more information on package deals and outings, visit www.TrapezeSchool.com.