Flying Trapeze transcends fear
Twin Cities Trapeze gives an opportunity to reach new heights
November 20, 2014
Katie Kimball studies her student as they stand on the platform, staring down at the safety net 30 feet below.
Senior Mara Hathaway went to a session conducted by Kimball, a part owner of Twin Cities Trapeze, earlier this year and said she was surprised at how fast she learned the basics of trapeze.
“I got the hang of the trapeze pretty quickly. The whole climax of (the lesson) was that you could swing out and reach the other person that was swing- ing and swing from their arms,” Hathaway said.
From the first class, students can expect to be able to hang on the bar while attached to a cable and connect with a catcher mid-air over a safety net fastened below. According to Kimball, this is the highlight of the class.
“We bring people in, give them a quick safety lesson and practice on the low bar. Before people have a chance to change their minds, we send them up the ladder,” Kimball said. “To be able to do the swing you have to learn how to hang by your knees. Most people already know how to do that, but if you don’t, we’ll teach you.”
Lessons are offered for ages 6 and up. Kimball said she enjoys watching people fulfill their childhood dreams at an older age.
“It’s actually pretty amazing. We get people in their 70s who are ready to try something new. We’ve had a 75-year- old woman who did a swing on the bar, and that’s probably the best part of this job,” Kimball said. “Watching people accomplish something they’ve wanted to do for a long time is pretty amazing.”
Hathaway said the experience was intense and surprising.
“They let you practice once on the ground and then they put you in the air, which is terrifying,” Hathaway said.
Initially many people are apprehen- sive about flying in the air, but accord- ing to Kimball, the key is to come in with an open mind.
“It’s normal to be afraid of heights, but this is a safe and fun way to face your fears. Sometimes people scream the whole time. But it’s really all part of the experience,” Kimball said. “It’s just really exhilarating. As long as you come in with an open mind, you’ll be fine and have the time of your life.”
Hathaway said she recommends it to others.
“The people are awesome, and it’s a really good way to have a great experience outside your comfort zone,” Hathaway said.
According to Kimball, trying something you would not normally do can lead to satisfactory results and push people out of their comfort zone.
“A lot of people see the trapeze and say that it’s not something they can do, but you’re wearing a safety belt and your chances of getting hurt on the first day are extremely low,” Kimball said. “People decide that it’s not for them, and they miss out of an opportunity of their lifetime.”
Twin Cities Trapeze, located in St. Paul, brings flying trapeze classes ranging from beginner to advanced levels.
Kimball opened the studio August 2012, and gives classes in trapeze regularly.
In addition to offering flying trapeze classes for beginner students, the studio also provides acro/gymnastics, aerial- ates, barre, hula hoop, yoga and zumba classes for more advanced students.
Students interested in these circus acts can register for classes online or by calling the studio at (651) 262-9477.
