My Flying Trapeze Story - How in the Heck Did I Get Started?

With my flyer-versary coming up next week, I thought it would be a good time to share my flying story. It's fairly common for people to ask me how the heck I got started with flying trapeze. I was never an acrobat, circus freak or even much of a performer. So it may seem a bit random that I am now so consumed by this "hobby", ahem LIFESTYLE of mine.

The flying act was always one of my favorite parts of any circus. I would stare in complete awe of the trapeze artists, as they appeared to defy gravity, effortlessly gliding through the air from point to point. I would sit in my seat, secretly wishing I could be a part of that magical world, thinking that sort of life was only available to those fortunate enough to be born into a circus family. 

Then, one day I saw the Sex and the City episode where Carrie does trapeze. I remember watching, wide-eye and mouth agape, realizing for the first time that maybe I didn’t have to be a circus kid in order to eventually have my chance on the flying trapeze.

In December 2012, my husband and I eloped in Vegas (it was awesome btw, I recommend it to anyone considering doing it). The day after, we drove straight to LA to celebrate our honeymoon. Before heading to LAX on our last day, we spent a few hours wandering around the Santa Monica Pier. At that time I found myself face to face with the TSNY rig for the first time. I remember staring longingly through the fence, wishing I had more time so I could take a class. I knew at that time, I had to make flying happen sooner rather than later.

Upon returning to Florida, I began searching for a flying trapeze school close to home. I found an online deal for an outdoor rig and knew it was the perfect opportunity to finally earn my wings. 

March 25, 2013 my life was changed forever.

I was so nervous my first class; my heart was beating out of my chest before I even got out of the car. I began to feel more relaxed as I chatted with the instructors, Efe and Spider; they were so warm and welcoming. I was so excited that this was finally happening but my goodness, did that platform look high! I remember leaning out from the board, butterflies in my tummy, holding the bar in both hands (wow that thing is heavier than it looks!) and feeling the adrenaline running through me.  

“Ready, hep!” and I was off! 

I fell head over heels in love with trapeze the very moment I hopped off the board. I felt complete, it was like I had a found a piece of myself that I never knew I was missing. I had forgotten about all the nervousness and stress and everything else running through my mind, I was so present in that very moment, so free. The elation continued as I rolled out of the net and onto the ground again, hands shaking and smiling so wide my cheeks hurt. I HAD TO DO IT AGAIN. By the end of the class I knew that I had found my new obsession. With the promise of learning the splits, I vowed to be back in two weeks.

Two years later and the addiction is still as strong as ever. I am now working at the rig where I threw my first knee hang. I’ve shared trapeze with a bunch of friends, including my sister. I’ve met flying friends across the country and world and have had the opportunity to fly at some really great places. I’m so happy to be a part of this incredible community and look forward to continuing to grow as a flyer and coach.

And just for fun, here are some trapeze quick hits:

FAVORITE TRICK TO THROW: Splits

CURRENTLY WORKING ON: Layout and cutaway

DREAM TRICK: Double cutaway half or forward over in the passing leap

IN ADDITION TO TRAPEZE, I DO: Yoga and aerial arts

LAST FLY TRIP: Trapeze High Florida in Jacksonville to celebrate Alex’s birthday

DREAM FLY TRIP: Flying Trapeze Adventures in Koh Tao, Thailand

FAVORITE TRAPEZE VIDEO: the Flying Terrels at the 1976 World Championship or anything with the legendary, Terry Cavaretta

ADVICE TO NEW FLYERS: Take a deep breath, relax and listen for the calls.

FAVORITE THING ABOUT TRAPEZE: The camaraderie and trust built between flying friends and the feeling of absolute freedom catching and returning out of lines

FUNNIEST OVERHEARD AT TRAPEZE MOMENT:

Flyer: I'm so excited! I'm getting my own custom trapeze safety belt!!
Catcher: Why are you doing that? Aren't you usually trying to get out of wearing one?
Flyer: .....sighhhh...yes....
Catcher: ....well I guess they're a lot like condoms...no one wants to wear one...
Flyer: ...but sometimes they're necessary for your own protection...