Q: What is flying trapeze?
A: Flying trapeze is a circus discipline that involves performing tricks on a swinging bar over a safety net. A large part of flying trapeze is dismounting from the swinging bar to a catcher who is connected to a different swinging bar.
The flying trapeze rig at PSCA is a recreational rig, meaning that anyone, regardless of skill level may take classes. This also means that the rig is equipped with safety lines so that students fly while wearing a harness where a qualified instructor can keep them secure.
Q: What if I’m an advanced student?
A: There is the option to fly without safety lines, or as it is known in the flying world “Out of Lines,” once the flyer has reached a point in their training where they demonstrate superb aerial awareness and ability to land safely in the net. This is a high level skill that is highly rewarding. There is, however, no pressure to ever fly out of lines should the flyer not desire it. At the end of the day, the flyer is in charge of their path and should only be doing what they know they can keep themselves safe doing.
Q: Who can do flying trapeze?
A: Anyone! However, you must be over 6 years of age and our largest safety harness can fit around a waist diameter of 46″. If either of these restrictions apply to you, please email the front desk at info@phillycircus.com for more information.
Q: What should I bring?
A: Water, sunscreen and a camera! Masks are required at all times inside our building so please have one with you. Masks are not required outside. Feel free to bring your own chairs or picnic blankets, though seating will also be provided.
Q: What should I wear?
A: Pants that you can move easily in and that cover the backs of your knees. Your shirt should cover your midriff and stay put when you go upside down. This is akin to a fitness class, so dress as you would for a workout. Socks are required. Toe socks are not permitted.
Q: What will happen the day of?
A: Please arrive for your class at least 15 minutes early and ready to have a blast! Be sure to fuel your body before your class as you would for a workout and prepare to be outside in the respective weather. There will be a warm up when most students have arrived, no more than 15 minutes before the start of class. After warm up, new students will be given a Ground School by an instructor where they will learn the essentials of flying trapeze. During this time, returning students will begin taking turns on the flying trapeze. In a full class, most students will get about 5 turns on the flying trapeze with individualized instruction throughout the class. At the end of your class, be prepared to be exhausted! Flying trapeze is super fun but also a workout!
Q: What is the cancellation policy?
A: The flying trapeze director will make the final call about weather no later than one hour before the class starts. If the weather is too hot/cold/rainy to safely run class, you will be contacted to reschedule for another day or time. If you need to cancel or reschedule your class, you can do so without penalty up to 24hrs in advance. For scheduling changes within the 24 hour window, please contact us at info@phillycircus.com or call us at 215-849-1991.
Q: How many students are needed for a class to run?
A: For the comfort and longevity of our students, the minimum class size for a two-hour class is 4 students. If your class has fewer than that, it may be run as an “Express Class” which is an hour long. This is because fewer students means more turns flying and shorter breaks, so people get tired out pretty fast!
Q: What are the fly rules?
A: You will not be permitted to fly in class if you:
- Are intoxicated
- Are pregnant
- Have a serious injury
- Fail to abide by the rules of the rig
- Continuously ignore safety instructions by staff
- Are disrespectful to the instructors, front desk staff, or space as a whole
The school retains the right to remove any student who breaks these rules and a refund may not be given. Please be respectful of our rules as they are for everyone’s safety.
Q: Can I book a private lesson?
A: The best way to book a private lesson is to book out a class that already exists on the schedule. You can purchase all ten spots in one of our two-hour classes by purchasing a 10 pack ($550) for you and up to nine of your closest friends! These may be cancelled or rescheduled up to one week in advance.
If you are looking for an even more personalized experience, you can arrange a private lesson outside of our regular class times. Please email our flying trapeze director to arrange one of these lessons at info@phillycircus.com.
Q: I love flying, how can I earn free classes?
A: We have a referral program where you can earn free classes by referring your friends and family! Check out all the details here.