TSNY Boston is Boston’s one and only destination to learn how to become a trapeze artist. Classes are offered everyday, and the fun and excitement never stops in the gym. So, how did I get involved in all this? I got myself into this mess. I purchased 2 spaces for a 2 hour trapeze class at TSNY Boston for my sister and myself as her Christmas gift. I know, I know, best sister ever. Don’t worry, she thinks so too. I thought little of my fear of heights when booking and as the class quickly approached, I grew more and more anxious.
During the warm ups, I crossed my fingers, praying our Instructor Emily would write my sister’s name on the white board ahead of mine. Just my luck, I’m first. Fantastic.
After writing my name exactly where I did not want it to be, Emily began a short land-based demonstration of what we would be doing from 50 feet in the air. Sure, looks easy from down here, Emily. As I tried to listen carefully to everything she was telling me, my body was shivering from the cold and my brain was frozen in fear. She expected me to climb the ladder, hold out my hands, and let go… just like that! Certifiably insane.
Within 10 minutes, I was on the first rung of the ladder. I don’t like ladders. They are never steady and I always think to myself, what if I miss a step? I’m a goner. The ladder to the platform at TSNY Boston is about 20 rungs high. The highest ladder I have ever climbed. This was not some light yard work, this was a climb to my, likely and untimely, death. There were 20 steps, 20 chances to look down, and 20 opportunities to miss a rung. The whole time, I had an odd lump in my stomach and a voice in my head somewhere between, “Get me the hell outta here!” and, “I can do this”.
I ascended the ladder in the most elegant and optimistic way I could. When I finally reached the top, my body was paralyzed with fear. It took all my willpower not to look down. I knew if I l did, my body would shake and I would never be able to jump off the platform. Anna could see my fear and told me repeatedly that it would be okay. She attached my lines to what I hoped were the right ones, and told me to lean over the edge like Emily had shown me on the ground. Like I was listening to Emily!
I put my toes on the edge, bent my knees, and leaned forward with an arch in my back while I reached for the bar. Holy crap! This was insane! A thin net and a cement floor 50 feet below me were my fate. Now, it was time to let go. Haha… let go.
Anna instructed me to bend my knees and listen for her cue. As she said whatever it is she said, I did as I was told and attempted to jump off the platform. I soon found out jumping was not what I was supposed to do. Instead, lean forward and lightly hop only about three inches in the air. So, attempt #2. This time, off I went. Soaring through the air. AHHHH!
Photos are of my lovely and slightly less afraid sister for this portion.
The most free and afraid I have ever felt. The breeze was blowing my hair and I felt unstoppable. Until I realized at some point, I needed to let go. Andrew, my lineman, called out from below and instructed me to attempt my first trick of the day: The Knee Hang.
This trick involved me awkwardly placing my knees under and then over the bar, letting go of both hands, arching my back and swinging to and fro. First try was a success, and I was starting to feel much more optimistic about this entire experience. That is, until I had to climb up the ladder again.
Each attempt, I became more and more comfortable. I learned to climb the ladder without looking back and with little hesitation. I knew how to hop off the board, how to kick my knees over the bar, and how to jump from the bar to the net without fear. Of course, this is when they decided to throw the second trick at me: The BackFlip.
Andrew tried to convince me that it would just happen. All I had to do was listen to him and let go when he tells me and my backflip would be perfect. I tried it, and guess what, it worked! Backflip complete.
Now for the ultimate test of the day. The catch. We practiced our catch hands on the floor and chalked up our wrists. I ascended the steps and looked across from my platform to see Emily swinging free from her bar. I awaited her calls and prayed to God I would make it. I had to impress my little sis, of course.
I went for it, but of course… fail. Round #2. I climbed again, prayed again, and let go for the last time. Within seconds, I kicked my feet over the bar, let go of my arms, swung forward, and Emily grabbed my arms in hers and we swung together! I did it! Officially, a trapeze artist. I have a video to prove it!!!
Trapeze School New York Boston (TSNY Boston) hosts classes for everyone. Options includes flying classes for first-timers, advanced flyers, and those somewhere in between. The staff at TSNY Boston is dedicated to making flying trapeze comfortable and fun for everyone. A class at TSNY Boston is both a fitness challenge and a test of trust.
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