The magic and fun of the circus was first introduced to me by way of film and television, and ever since I was a child, I was amazed by the aerial stunts–graceful and beautiful all at once. The flying trapeze is one aerial art I was highly frustrated with in this old video game called Circus Charlie, where it is the last challenge for the player to swing from one bar to the other without falling (I could never get it right). Then, I was reintroduced to the wonderful world of aerial acrobatics once more when Cirque du Soleil came into town with Varekai and Saltimbanco: artists from all around the world wearing these elaborate and colorful costumes while spinning, flipping, leaping, and swinging in the air. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has imagined living the circus life, and while I am far–so far–from being a professional aerial artist, the dream of flying high like them can come true, now that Flying Trapeze Philippines is open and eager to make all of us fly high in Manila.
The first and only trapeze arts school in the country is located in BGC, just beside the football field, and a short walk from CrossRoads where restaurants such as The Perfect Pint and Grams Diner are located. Flying Trapeze Philippines just opened this month, August, and already it has been a hit on social media as your new form of aerial exercise. Now, you can fly, swing, and flip your way to fitness without having to run away to join the circus.
Fly and flip your way to fitness and fun
As with trying something new for the first time, I was extremely excited and nervous as we begin our very first trapeze class one afternoon. The school's founder Will Hsu was our instructor for the day, ably assisted by Dan Rosenzweig and the rest of the team. Their collective experience as flyers amounts to over three decades, so worry not about their skills to train or assist you. My classmates were of different ages–we even had two little girls accompanied by their mother. First timers–that's practically all of us in Manila, actually–are first strapped with a tight-fitting safety harness, which is like a very heavy and thick belt, tied very tightly like a corset on your torso. Once all strapped up, you are taught the proper stance and form while on the ground, and the instructor will brief you about the words they use (like Ready and Hup!) and what these signify.
Next is to practice with a trapeze bar at ground level to practice your mount and dismount. This is where they teach you the proper way to grip the bar, kick (to gain height while swinging up in the air), and pull your legs up to hang on the bar. Then it's already a ladder climb up to the top, as the platform is waiting for you for your very first flying trapeze experience!
My initial fear was not being able to latch on to the metal bar and just slip and fall into the net below. I realized it wasn't even a problem gripping on to the bar, as my palms transformed into magnets and my grip made extra strong with a dusting of white chalk. The fear mostly creeps in during the ladder climb as you realize you're heading 25 feet higher. It was also at first very hard for me to let go and jump from the pedestal board–it's scary to recall, but sillier on video. But once I've cleared my mind and trusted my instructor Will ("Don't worry, I gotcha!" he said assuringly from behind me), the jump transforms into an exhilarating experience.
From the initial jump, adrenaline kicks in, and is fueled even more as another instructor, Dan, calls me from the ground to tell you what to do next. Just think of nothing else but following their instructions, and soon you will find yourself going for more rounds at the flying trapeze and acing a backflip! In my two hour class, I was able to trapeze four times, with the last two times accomplishing a backflip. If you're a fast learner like one of my classmates, you can even try the next trick, where you swing to a catcher waiting for your hands to grip at another bar. I'm totally signing up for another flying trapeze class so I can do exactly that!
Tips and Reminders
- Arrive 15-20 minutes earlier than your scheduled class to sign up and warm up with stretching. Arrive already dressed up in sportswear, as the nearest comfort room where you can dress up is a short walk from the trapeze school.
- Wear comfortable but tight-fitting sportswear–nothing too loose as you'll be flipping and flying and would want to avoid snagging your clothing. Tights, leggings, and fitted pants are recommended to protect the back of your knees.
- Interested participants under 18 years of age must have a waiver signed by a parent or court-appointed legal guardian. Recommended minimum age to participate is 6 years old.
- Maximum weight that instructors can properly belay is 250 pounds. If a student is above this weight and can demonstrate that he or she is able to carry their own weight in the practice bar area (hang from the bar unassisted), the student can continue a session per the approval of the instructor.
- Bring water to hydrate yourself. This is really a workout that challenges your core, balance, and flexibility!
- And just like any workout, your muscles, especially your arms and shoulders, will feel sore for the next couple of days, so take it easy afterward and don't forget your stretching. Slight rope burns and scrapes from the net that breaks your fall and small bruises are also normal to experience. Think of them as battle scars just like what other sports can tend to give to its players.
- No need for rubber shoes–you'll fly barefoot. You can even come in slippers/flip-flops so it's easier to remove and wear your footwear in between sessions.
- You'll be right under the sun if you book a morning or afternoon class. Wear sunscreen.
- Want your trapeze experience documented? Your friends can drop by as onlookers, there is a shaded waiting/viewing area where they can take pictures and videos of you. Better yet, have them join the class and take turns Instagramming each other (use #trapezePH if you upload to social media).
- For more tips and information about safety, visit their FAQ section in the website (www.trapeze.ph/faq)
Excited and ready to fly? Book a class with Flying Trapeze Philippines through www.trapeze.ph. Reservations/online bookings are required. The trapeze arts school is located at 34th Street corner 9th Avenue in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig (right next to the Turf BGC football field). Classes are held Tuesdays to Sundays, with Open Swing (P200 per swing / P500 for 3 rounds) and 2 Hour Classes (P1,000 weekday morning and afternoon / P1,250 for weekends and evenings) available. Schedules and time slots may vary, so visit their website to keep updated.
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