What do you need to know?
So you're new to this, excited and maybe a little scared. Well that's okay. Most of the people that come to us are "newbies" just like you. OK, we admit that the vast majority of people don't know much about participating in circus-style activities, so you're not alone.
"Should I wear a sparkly spandex unitard?"
"Is there a net?"
"What if the bearded lady gets protective of the chalk?"
This page will try to answer the most commonly asked questions about this fantastic experience. If you don't see your question, have no fear- This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and we'll do our best to address your questions/concerns.
Commence the questions!
Am I really getting up on that?
You will probably note as you arrive that the trapeze looks bigger than you remember from TV, movies and the circus. And it just keeps getting bigger. The second thing you might notice is that there are several people walking, lying and flying around who are absolutely fanatical about flying trapeze – they are the Trapeze Tribe. They love everything about trapeze and want you to have the time of your life.
Is it safe?
No matter what you’ve heard, or seen in movies, Flying Trapeze artists NEVER work without a net. All Trapeze and circus arts schools are required to carry insurance and the industry has hundreds of safety protocols in place. No one at Trapeze High flies without a net and all students are required to wear safety harnesses.
Be assured safety is our number one priority! We offer the highest level of safety for your protection. A minimum of 3 fully trained staff operate the rig. We are there with you every step of the way. While circus school is very exciting and fun, the risks involved are mostly emotional. It is an extremely controlled environment, hurting people is bad business.
It's important that you listen. Our rules are for your safety and our longevity. A few scrapes or bruises, as in any activity, sometimes occur. However, rest assured, we take every precaution to make sure that each participant enjoys a safe experience.
What are the rules?
This applies to flyers and non flyers alike. They are for your safety and enjoyment.
- Never go under the net!
- Stay away from the person pulling safety lines.
- Listen to what the instructors say and don’t make anything up.
- Have Fun!
What is the Flying Trapeze experience like?
On your first day, you can expect to do 3 things: hang upside down by your knees from the fly bar, back flip dismount into the net and attempt a catch. The other elements of your first day:
Ground School
Your session begins with a run through of the safety guidelines and basic take off position at "Ground School"
Climbing the Ladder
With a safety harness on you will get hooked into the belay to climb the ladder. At the top, you will step onto the platform where your lines will get switched to the safety lines.
Listo...Ready...HEP!!!)
You will then jump from the platform and fly through the air with the greatest of ease as you swing gracefully (we hope) on the flying trapeze.
Each student will progress at his/her own pace, according to his/her strength, skill and desire. After just a few swings, most people will accomplish the correct body position to enable them to do a "knee-hang", which will result in a "catch" by the end of their first class. After the knee-hang has been mastered, the door is open to a variety of more advanced tricks.
What should we wear?
Wear comfortable, non-restrictive clothes such as workout pants and tops. Please wear pants/shorts/tights that cover behind your knee. Don't forget your knee-high colorful socks!
Who can participate?
We offer beginner through advanced classes that are appropriate for adult sand children. We recognize that everyone has the ability to participate in our activities, regardless of size, ability, previous experience, or strength. Our students range in age from 2-82!!
Is there a weight restriction?
If you weigh close to 200lbs, you must be able to hold your weight from a low-bar for 20 seconds to ensure your safety on the high trapeze rig.
Do I need to be strong?
No. Because of the timing involved with the flying trapeze, first time flyers can learn several basic tricks without much upper body strength. Of course, the more you practice, the stronger you will become. Flying trapeze is a great way to build strength and get into great shape!
Can I give it a try without purchasing a whole class?
We'll fit you in between classes if we can... For $15 you can go up and take a swing. (This price also includes "ground school" so you can learn to take off properly from the platform.) Call to schedule.
How do I reserve a space in class?
Classes can be purchased and reserved online. Click here to view schedule. Give us a call at 760-274-3651 if you need any assistance. Due to the limited availability, classes are not reserved until they are paid for.
Is there a registration fee?
Yes, there is an annual $10 registration fee for all clients. As a promotion, we are currently waiving this fee for new clients that purchase their 1st class, for $60, directly from us. Please note that packages are NOT included, so if you want to bring a friend and use one of your classes to pay for them, please make sure that their registration fee also gets paid. On occasion, we run promotions with other companies that sell tickets for us. In this case, the registion fee needs to be paid before we can schedule your class.
Is class ever cancelled due to weather?
Rarely, but it happens. Luckily we have some of the best weather in the country. Yay us! A light rain, is no concern, but if a monsoon occurs, you will receive an phone call early in the morning alerting you of the change in plans or, as a last resort, cancellation. We will then credit your account, so you can take the class at a later date.
Is there a cancellation policy?
The simple answer is no. If you sign up for a class, that is your class time. We have a limited number of spaces in each class and frequently turn people away when the class fills up. If you give us ample notice (at least 72 hrs in advance) and we can fill your space, we will generally be nice and reschedule you. However this is not our official policy. The official policy is "use it, or loose it". But we are nice, and work with you when we can. Classes ARE transferable, so you can always send a friend in your place.
Can I fly without the safety harness?
Due to insurance requirements, every new student that comes to our school must fly 'in lines'. You can fly out of lines when two of our instructors have approved and signed off on each trick. An additional waiver is required for advanced students who are ready to spread their wings and fly without their lines.
Are spectators allowed?
Absolutely! The more the merrier! The only spectators we do not allow are dogs, unless they are service dogs.
When can I schedule a private event?
We will do our best to accommodate the day and time that works best for your group and will work with you to individually to schedule the details of your event. Call Lisa 760-274-3651 to make arrangements for your party today!
How much does it cost for a trapeze lesson?
- $10 for Registration Fee (annual)
- 1 Trapeze Class = $60 (includes registratration fee)
- 5 Class Pack = $220 ($44/class)
- 10 Class Pack = $420 ($42/class)
- Monthly Unlimited = $249
- Monthly Unlimited with Auto-pay = $199/month (requires a 3 month commitment)
*Please note that class packs do not include registion fee - so if you use your series to pay for a friend, their registration fee still needs to be paid
Is there a discount for groups?
- 1.5 hr Trapeze Class (up to 10 people) = $500
- 11-14 people = add $40/person (Includes extra time on trapeze rig)
If you have more then 14 people we recommend that you add on additional services, to reduce time where people are waiting to play. We have a strict policy against throwing bad parties. We like it when everyone is engaged and involved in activities. It's just more fun that way! Check out the PARTIES page for more info.
What other types of serices do you offer for events?
- Lessons for other Circus Arts (aerial silks, hoop dancing, acro-balance etc)
- Craft Activities (make your own circus stuff)
- Walk-Around Entertainers (stilt walkers, juggler, fire eater etc)
- Demo Acts (silks, double trapeze, single trapeze)
- Catering
- Big Events - We can even accomidate large parties (15-300+ people) and corporate events.
Can I hire the flying trapeze to come to my location?
Yes, but it's going to cost you. Setup of a full rig is involved and can take up to three days. If you are interested, please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with the requested dates, and proposed event information.
Can I get involved?
Definitely! As we are a growing non-profit, we have lots of room for everyone that wants to be involved. What can you do? Send us an email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to get started. You can also help by donating money or goods.
Where should I park, and is there a fee to park?
Escondido (Kit Carson Park): Park in the same parking lot as for the skate park/roller rink.
Del Mar (Hot Shotz Sports Center in the Del Mar Fairgrounds): Park in the main lot. If there is an event, you may have to pay $9 for parking. Bring your ticket to the front desk and they will reimburse you. The building is to the right of the building of with the big painted whale on it and to the left of the arena.
Can I take photos/videos?
Sure, we'll even show you the best angles to shoot from. ...And if you are really nice to us, we'll even get the staff all together for a group shot. (Pyramid?)
