Saturday, September 27, 2014

...defying gravity...

I was shaking, a bit uncontrollably, as I stood on the small rectangular frame high above the net. I had just ascended a way-too-high ladder, and was clinging to the thin ropes and bars for dear life. Somehow, so high up in the air, I had completely forgotten that I was safely harnessed in.

Evan powdered my hands with chalk and reminded me what would be happening. Matt gave us a basic run thru on the ground, but it all seemed to seep out of my brain as I stared at the ground far below. Evan pulled the bar close and I reluctantly grabbed it with my right hand. Then, he held onto my harness as I reached out with my left hand to grip the other end. I panicked as I tried to tighten my grip. Evan made sure I was ready and steady before yelling “Hup!” the universal symbol for “Go!” in trapeze flying.

As awkwardly as possible, I forced my feet from the frame. “No no no no no!” I screamed, as I hurtled through the air. (Yes, I screamed. In my defense, it is pretty nerve rattling! At least it provided some comic relief for my fellow classmates and teachers.)

But when my senses semi came back to me and I realized I was still hanging on, I heard Zach call: “Okay, are you ready to do a knee hang?” I thought, well, I'm already up here. I might as well try. I gave a meek okay, and then heard “Knees up!”

One of the best parts of this trapeze flying class are the teachers. Matt, Elliana, Evan and Zach are excellent flyers, but, more importantly, they're stellar teachers. And here's why: Did you hear Zach's question? Are you ready to do a knee hang?

Not “Are you going to?”

Not “Do you want to?”

Are you ready to?

A great teacher believes in you before you ever believe in yourself. They see the possibilities and they encourage and train you toward them. I was full on terrified, and convinced I'd fall off. I was sure I would embarrass myself. But each teacher took a part in patiently encouraging and nudging me toward the goal.

And guess what? I hooked my knees over that bar! Then I let my arms fly free and arched my back as I reached for the other side! It took everything in me to pull arms back up to the bar, but I did it! Then I dropped my legs down and let Zach safely drop me down to the net. (I wasn't interested in attempting the backflip dismount...at least not the first time!) 

I crawled, laughing, shaking, panting to the edge as Matt and Elliana helped me flip off the side onto the mats. “Breathe,” they kept repeating, “breathe.”

It took me a moment to re-learn out how...

We practiced several more times before ending the class with a few “catches.” Here is video proof of my catch!



I admit, I kind of look like a frog on take off, and my dismounts are less than desirable, but look at what I accomplished after ONE ninety minute class!

You can, too!! But you don't have much time left.

Circus Harmony will close its swings for the season on October 19th. If you are interested in going, let me know. Our friends and family will receive 25% off the cost of a class. More if we can get a group together! With available class times Tuesday – Saturday, we can find something that will work for everyone. Don't wait, though! This is one adventure you won't want to miss!

I know Matt, Evan, Elliana, and Zach would love to teach you how to fly!

Can't wait for a group? Wanna fly today? Call Matt at 314.436.7676 to schedule your adventure!

3 comments:

  1. Ouch! Kudos to her for trying. Hope she's okay.

    Have you ever swung through the air at high heights?

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  2. Yeah one time my mommy pushed me on a swing at the park and I went so high I pee-pee'd my pants!!

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  3. Haha! Hopefully the incident didn't earn you a hurtful nickname as a child.

    If you haven't yet, I would encourage you to try some high-flying fun again! It's certainly a rush, but it's oh-so-fun! ...and a great memory!

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