You will probably note as you arrive that the trapeze looks bigger than you remember from TV, movies and the circus.  And it just keeps getting bigger.  The second thing you might notice is that there are several people walking, lying and flying around who are absolutely fanatical about flying trapeze – they are the Trapeze High staff.  They love everything about trapeze and want you to have the time of your life.

Bring your sense of adventure, an open mind and your willingness to listen and do.  You may also bring a little fear along – just enough to keep you safe and not so much that you become paralyzed.  Also bring a lot of drinking water.  Clothes for hot and cold weather – we often get both in the same day.  Wear comfortable clothes and long athletic pants (sweats, pajama bottoms, tights are the best).  Bring as many friends, audience members, emotional supporters as you like but let them know they will be teased for not flying.

No matter what you’ve heard, or seen in movies, Flying Trapeze artists NEVER work without a net.  All Trapeze and circus arts schools are required to carry insurance and the industry has hundreds of safety protocols in place.  No one at Trapeze High flies without a net and all students are required to wear safety harnesses.  Hurting clients is bad business!

This applies to flyers and non flyers alike.  They are for your safety and enjoyment.

1. Never go under the net!
2. Stay away from the person pulling safety lines.
3. Listen to what the instructors say and don’t make anything up.
4. Have Fun!

You’re going to learn a bunch of trapeze lingo and be told a lot of stuff in a short time. We do this so that you can get you up in the air and having fun ASAP.  Here is some of the trapeze lingo that you might hear on your first day, together with their meanings.

"Listo"    -  Spanish for ready.  “Are you Listo?  Yes, I’m listo.”
"Ready"  -  English for ready but trapeze for bend your knees and pick up the trapeze.
"Hep"     -  Begin, start.  In other words, GO!

Pedestal Board:  The takeoff point for trapeze flyers.
Rise Arm: Attaches the pedestal board to the top of the trapeze rig.

This is where you learn the practical application for the words "Listo", "Ready" and "Hep".  You will be shown how to stand on the pedestal board, hold the rise arm, pick up the trapeze and jump off the hoard and begin your flight. You’re going to do some things that seem completely backwards, but that’s trapeze.  Remember, you’re learning something entirely new so relax and have fun.

Actually, we do.  You’re 20 or more feet away from the person attached to your safety lines.  He/she will yell instructions to you.  How to swing properly, land safely in the net, get out of the net and remove your safety lines.  Later, we will also yell commands for your first trick.

Back at ground school, you will practice hanging from your knees.  You will need to learn some new commands, because trapeze is all about timing.  There is a time to put your legs up (when you are weightless) and a time to take your hands off and put them back on.  Then it’s back up the ladder to try it in the air.  Fact: it is actually easier to do a knee hang while flying on the trapeze than in ground school.  After a few attempts, the catcher goes up and you will fly to him/her.  The last part of the knee hang is letting go with your legs and swinging with the catcher.

The catcher sets the timing for your trick and calls you when he/she is ready.  You jump, pick up your legs, bend your knees around the trapeze bar, let your hands go (all with helpful commands from the ground) and there are two hands.  Grab the wrists, squeeze, let your legs relax and you’re a trapeze artist.  It’s not easy but it’s more fun and exciting than anything else in the world.  After a few catches, the catcher comes down and initiates you into the Catch Club with a sacred, secret trapeze handshake.