Look Ma, no hands!
The initiated call it flying. The pedestal board stands 23 feet above the pier with the Pacific Ocean underneath, waves rumbling through the pylons below. The world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel spins next door and the roar of the nearby roller coaster drowns out the ocean each time it rushes past. One terrifying step off the board and you’re sailing through the salty air with the trapeze bar clenched in hand. Then comes the exhilaration of letting go, taking a literal leap of faith as you reach out to grab the next bar or even the outstretched hands of another person. Talk about a trust exercise.
Trapeze School New York on the Santa Monica Pier offers daily two-hour trapeze classes ranging from novice to “throw and catch” for the advanced aerialist. Not ready to take the big leap off the high board? Trapeze School New York also hosts shorter classes that are closer to the ground – or pier in this case – for aerial silks, static trapeze, hoops, trampoline, and conditioning. Children are welcome provided they have the necessary attention span and focus. If a young flyer peters out midway through a lesson, no problem, but also no refunds.
Info
Address 370 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401, +1 310.394.5800, losangeles.trapezeschool.com, lainfo@trapezeschool.com | Public Transport Expo Line to Downtown Santa Monica Station, then a .5-mile walk | Getting there Paid lots and metered street parking | Hours Daily 8:30am–10pm, weather permitting.| Tip Muscle Beach (1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291), 2.5 miles south of Santa Monica Pier, started in 1934 and has been home to the workouts of former governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, among many others.
The instructors are eager to work with all those who want to learn. According to the school, three factors contribute to being an aerialist: weight, body shape, and grip. The trapeze artist aspirant should be able to hang for at least 30 seconds. The safety belt may not fit all body shapes properly and those 205 pounds and heavier enter into what is called the “weight hesitation” zone. Not to worry if that sounds like you; the school promises to devise a plan to help every dedicated but not-ready-for-prime-time flyer realize his or her trapeze dreams.
The school’s motto, “Forget fear. Worry about the addiction,” is well conceived. One class, and you might just be hooked for life.
Back
To the online map