Bucket List #79: Take a Trapeze Class!

“When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.” 
~ Leonardo Da Vinci

I must agree with Mr. Da Vinci on this one.  After taking my first class at Trapeze School New York along the Hudson River, I am hooked!  I’ve been wanting to take trapeze class for years, and I finally persuaded someone to tag along with me.  My friend, Katie, happily agreed to help me cross #79 off my bucket list!

After signing our lives away our waivers and meeting our instructors for the day (James, Hal, and Dylan), we strapped into our harnesses and practiced some moves on the floor.  We went over everything we would do on the platform on the floor first, so we would feel comfortable once we were up in the air.

Thankfully, we had a small group, so we all got many tries at the trapeze.  I was so nervous as I climbed the ladder.  (Why standing two stories above ground is more terrifying than skydiving to me is beyond me?!)  I love conquering fears though.  After a minute and a quick pep talk from the instructors, I finally jumped!

My fears floated away once I was swinging in the air.  Hal, who stood on the ground next to the net, shouted directions at me.  Surprisingly, my mind was completely focused on Hal’s instructions.  Even more surprising was the fact that my body was actually following along with what he was telling me!

During our first few rounds on the trapeze, we just concentrated on jumping off the platform, hooking our legs onto the bar, and dropping to the net on Hal’s command. 

During the next round, we added a trick – a back flip off the bar during our dismount!

Finally, for our third and final trick we completed a catch with Dylan.  It was amazing!

While the initial jump off the platform was a little exciting and frightening, I didn’t want our class to end.  If I lived closer, I would sign up for the 10-week workshop (which includes a performance featuring music and costumes at the end!).  If you live in the city or are planning a visit, I would definitely add this trapeze class to your itinerary.  Not only is it a fun experience, but it also has amazing views of Manhattan, New Jersey, and the Statue of Liberty.