Flying Trapeze

FLYING TRAPEZE

Step off the platform, swing high above the net and feel your tummy flip. Flying trapeze is pure circus magic, and nerves are very welcome.

What is flying trapeze?

Flying trapeze is a circus art where you swing from a bar high in the air, perform tricks and let go into a big safety net below. You climb a ladder to a platform, hold the bar, step off and fly. Beginners wear a safety harness attached to lines, so it's thrilling but carefully controlled.

The flying trapeze was first performed in France in the 19th century by an acrobat called Jules Léotard. The stretchy all-in-one outfit he wore, the leotard, is named after him.

What tricks can you learn on the flying trapeze?

The first trick is usually the knee hang. You swing out, hook your knees over the bar, let go with your hands and hang upside down with your arms stretched out. Then you reach back up, take the bar and drop into the net.

Once that feels good, there's plenty more to try. A backflip dismount means letting go at the top of the swing and turning a somersault into the net. The big one is the catch, where you swing out, let go and are caught by the wrists by a catcher hanging from a second trapeze.

What happens at a first flying trapeze session?

Your Activity Leader starts on the ground, showing you the moves on a low bar and practising how to land safely in the net, on your back or bottom. Then you're fitted with a harness, climb the ladder and stand on the platform, holding the bar.

When you hear the call "Ready", you bend your knees. On "Hep", you step off and swing. The Activity Leader calls out each move, telling you when to lift your legs and when to let go, while someone on the ground holds your safety lines. Everyone takes turns, and cheering for each other is part of the fun.

Is flying trapeze good for kids?

Yes, and it's one of the bravest things a child can try. The harness and net are there to keep everyone safe, and each step, from climbing the ladder to letting go, feels like a real achievement. Children who feel nervous can take it slowly, and many find the second go even better than the first. Grown-ups often end up just as hooked.

What should we wear for flying trapeze?

Close-fitting activewear is ideal, like leggings or joggers and a T-shirt that tucks in. Avoid baggy tops, zips and anything with buttons or buckles that could catch. Take off jewellery and watches, and tie back long hair. Bring your bravery.

FAQ

DO WE NEED ANY EXPERIENCE?

No. Beginner sessions are made for people who have never been on a trapeze. You'll need to be able to climb a ladder and hold your own weight on a hanging bar for a short time.

IS FLYING TRAPEZE SAFE?

Flying trapeze is a high-risk activity. Falls from height can happen while climbing, standing on the platform or swinging, and collisions can happen during the catch. Beginners wear a safety harness on lines held by a trained person, and there is a net below. Do not climb the ladder or step onto the platform until the Activity Leader says so, and always follow their calls.