I’m not sure that I’ve ever met a child (or adult for that matter) who isn’t absolutely in awe at the sheer talent, flexibility and co-ordination of the circus performers who have mastered the flying trapeze. Recently we discovered Circus Arts, so read our review to discover this new and amazing activity.
The grace, the beauty, the talent … and the danger! Whilst I’ve always embraced the first three with envy, I honestly thought that it would take a good 2 or 3 years to safely master this amazing skill. Recently, I discovered this wasn’t the case.
We discovered “Circus Arts”, a business that exists to teach both adults and children (from 5 years old) flying trapeze skills. Circus Arts are located in Brisbane (right next to DFO at the airport) and also Byron Bay and Sydney.
So here’s our Circus Arts Review, tried and tested by two 8 year olds, a 9 year old and an 11 year old during the recent school holidays.
Start by watching our 30 second video below, then we’ll give you all of the details!
Circus Arts – Flying Trapeze
As previously mentioned, Circus Arts offers classes for children and adults of all ages (5 years and older).
Participants can choose between:
- a 1.5 hour school holiday workshop
- casual one off lessons throughout the term
- a 6 week challenge
- commit to a whole term
- buy sessions in packs of 5 / 10 / 15 classes
But how does it all work?
Flying Trapeze Skills & Levels
Obviously all participants come with varying degrees of fitness, flexibility and confidence.
During the school holidays we hedged our bets and sent along:
- Type 1 – an 8 year old who didn’t want to try it
- Type 2 – an 8 year old who really wanted to try it once, but was afraid of heights
- Type 3 – a 9 year old who wanted to give it a go
- Type 4 – an 11 year old who does gymnastics and has been begging her parents to do this for quite a while
As adults, I’d like to think that most of us understand out limitations, fears and desire to conquer, so if you’re unsure, I’d say sign up for a single session and just give it a go.
For children aged between 5 and 13 years old, if your child falls into the category of “Type 1” or “Type 2” i.e. unsure, there’s a great way to introduce them with no pressure at all. Sign them up for the “Mega Mix Circus”, which we’ll talk about more below.
For the “Type 3” and “Type 4” children, there are one off classes to allow them to have up to 5 turns, before they decide whether it’s an activity they’d like to pursue on a longer term basis.
The Location
Circus Arts are located in:
- Brisbane
- Byron Bay
- Sydney
In Brisbane, they are located near the Brisbane Airport, right next to DFO. Yes, you hear me right. You simply drop your kids off for their lesson, then head off bargain shopping.
For those who are more inclined to sit back, watch, and take some happy snaps (I hear you), you have a perfect viewing point from the golf complex.
Sit back in the comfort of the shaded marquee, only after you pop inside and grab yourself a coffee (of course!) along with a cooked breakfast or lunch (and if your big kids have little siblings, they have some games and things to entertain your little ones).
Safety
Have you ever been on one of those trampolines with harnesses? They have them at the Ekka and various fetes and events. Basically, the harness supports you so you can jump really high, but your movement is controlled (i.e. you’re not going to jump off the trampoline).
It’s a similar experience. From the moment the participant climbs the ladder they are wearing a harness that ensures their safety.
Once they reach the top and take the plunge, the harness is in place to ensure that their movement is controlled at all times.
Flying Trapeze – What will happen if your child becomes nervous
Firstly, all participants are trained on the basic skills on a really low bar.
For the more confident kids, at this stage they will be harnessed up, and venture up the ladder. I must say, the staff at Circus Arts were absolutely wonderful with my Type B twin, he wanted to pull out, so they climbed the ladder with him and went up all the way.
Once the participant (aka “in training circus performer”) reaches the top, the lovely staff do what’s needed to talk them through taking the plunge. For some, it’s easy, for others they need a little more convincing.
My little man was quite unsure, with a little persuading, he took the plunge, then asked when we could book in to go back and do it again. He wasn’t booked on the full Flying Trapeze workshop, he was booked on the Mega Mix Circus school holiday session, so he had one turn to give it a go.
Flying Trapeze – for beginners who aren’t afraid
In our group, we had a 9 year old boy who was more than willing to give this a try, and his 11 year old sister, who has been doing gymnastics for a number of years.
A single workshop provides participants with roughly 5 turns in the 1.5 hour session. During this time, here’s what we found.
- our 9 year old friend consistently jumped off readily and tried his best to master the techniques, regardless, he had a great time.
- our 11 year old friend who does gymnastics seemed to master the moves relatively quickly
If you watched the video, you would have seen that they are training the kids / adults to swing, then flip upside down and balance on their legs. They did this several times until they mastered the move.
Then at the end we discovered the method behind the madness, they were learning to swing on their legs … getting ready for the BIG CATCH!
In the image below you’ll see the lovely 11 year old Georgia on her 5th and final try. She just missed grabbing the instructor…. it was so close!
But… she was so happy with the experience, she went back a few days later with one of her school friends and the grasshopper became the master. She achieved the trick and went swinging into the instructors arms.
Who would have thought that in two lessons an 11 year old child could achieve such things?
Circus Arts Flying Trapeze – In summary
I spoke to the instructors after the session and asked about what happens next? What happens if you attend classes, how do you progress further?
His comments “everyone has the opportunity to try new things and progress in line with their own capabilities (i.e. their strength and flexibility). I caught one of the instructors warming up, I can see this in Georgia’s future…. (but obviously way up in the sky).
I’ll admit, I’m a little in awe, excited, jealous, envious and really want to give this a go right now!
So… if you’re my friend and you’re reading this, please PM me and suggest and time and a date. I’m serious.
Circus Arts – School Holidays – Mega Mix Circus
If you have children aged 5 to 13 years old, during the school holidays Circus Arts runs 2 hour workshops for kids wanting to master the circus arts (or if you just want to get them off devices and have fun for a few hours!)
The kids will have the opportunity (no pressure) to have one turn at the flying trapeze, but in addition to this, they learn are trying to master their….
… hula hooping skills
… juggling skills
… performing skills
… and plate spinning skills
Circus Arts Review – The Verdict
Whether your kids are passionate about starting a new weekly class, you’re looking for an amazing school holiday activity … OR *cough* just as importantly YOU want to try something a little different. I thoroughly recommend getting in contact.
SUCH a fun and unique activity.
If you missed the video snippet, it’s 30 seconds, take a look!
