Fly School Circus Arts Trapeze: How Even Non-Athletes Can Have Fun!

Are you a little too obsessed with Cirque de Soleil or sneak into Barnum & Bailey’s Circus when it comes to town? The good news is you can try the Fly School Circus Arts whether you’re a professional gymnast or despise most exercising.

I’m a notoriously bad athlete. Just to give you an idea, my short legs damned me to the back of the crowd and on the sidelines instead of ever being a sports captain. I’ve had kickball teammates tell me I’m not the best of the team but keep receiving invites to stay since I’m the fun, supportive teammate. Yet I took my nonexistent athletic ability and fear of heights, straight to the top of the trapeze.

Fly School Circus Arts – My Experience

When I was invited to try a class, I figured it was a sustainable alternative to a typical night, so I gave my inter-Cirque-de-Soleil a shot.

Friday night at 7 PM, I questioned whether I’d survive the evening. After being super-strapped into the safety belt and after a few tips were given, we made our way to the ‘training’ area. The evening began with a ‘trial run’ and tiny trapeze bar to get the basics and understand the proper form to hang from the trapeze.

As I climbed to the top of the platform, I was terrified. Yet after I leapt off the platform and landed onto the net, the fear was over and adrenaline took over instead. As the night wore on, it seemed natural (and completely safe, as you’re secured at all times) to be on the high platform.

The trapeze staff was professional, funny and made you feel comfortable throughout the experience. After each turn, they gave you a piece to work on the for the next round to build your way up to a flying trapeze catch. Although one of our ‘classmates’ was a natural trapeze artist, everyone encouraged each other and cheered with each victory. Since we were in a small group of four, the evening and each round moved quickly to make our way onto the platform. It wasn’t only fun to make the leap, but just as exciting to watch others be caught into one of the professional’s hands.

The trapeze exercises didn’t require the elite of pack, but anyone could try. I must admit – Although I was trying to understand the form, I couldn’t quite get my legs over the bar in a swift motion to complete the move for a ‘catch.’ I must admit – I was tired, had a long week, and perhaps not in the best mindset to try my best. Yet one woman’s faults can turn into her own goals. My big ‘finale’ was doing a backflip off the bar – which is coming from a lady who never once completed a true cart-wheel. As Mary Kelly Rayel  said in the beginning, not everyone may be a natural. But everyone WILL have a great time. And she was right about that.

So who would enjoy the trapeze experience? Anyone that can walk to their neighborhood restaurant and interested in trying would be a great fit for this run. You’re guaranteed to try something new, unique and have a blast. And you’ll even get a tiny workout. Although the momentum helps you with each turn, my arms were a little sore two days later.

If you go: Fly School Circus Arts is currently in the University of the Arts Parking lot – right across the street from the Kimmel Center (and next to Broad Street ministries). The program is running now through April 27th as part of part of the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA). Classes are two hours and cost $55. Check the Fly School Circus Arts website for scheduling and payment info.