Trapeze School New York

Trapeze School New York is one reason why Forbes magazine rated DC «the coolest city in America.» It’s tucked away in Navy Yard by many restaurants and bars so you can make a day of it.
My wife and I came here as part of a LivingSocial deal. Even though they have an indoor set up and an outdoor one, we were indoor the entire time. I always thought acrobatics was just the swing thing you see at the circus but it also entails stunts on a giant trampoline and learning tricks in long silk pieces from the ceiling. After we did those things, we then each got to try the actual bar twice. The staff are super friendly and walk you through everything.
If you’re looking for a unique great date idea, this is your place!
Warning: You don’t have to be super fit to do this but I wouldn’t do it if you haven’t exercised in a decade. Also, it’s a very vulnerable experience and don’t do it if you’re scared of heights.

Maybe you’re not interested in quitting your job and joining the circus, but you have dreams about flying the trapeze, twirling in silks or bouncing and flipping on the trampoline… Me, too! So, why haven’t you flown yet at TSNY-​DC? Hello? Oh, right… maybe because right now it’s closed, pending move into their new location/​building… or maybe because you ate so much food that you are over the 205 pound weight limit for flying trapeze? Absent either of those barring your entrée into the world of skills taught at TSNY-​DC, ummm… I am glad you are signed up for a class.
What can you expect? A fun-​filled two hours of listening to instruction, applying your best efforts and watching other flyers/​people perform feats of amazement! Make sure you sign your waiver on-​line, so you can just walk in and start warming up. No one wants to fill out a paper form… boring.
As I walked into the space, I was immediately drawn to the folks on the silks, which looked complicated but fun, challenging but intriguing. There were also a few jumpers on the trampoline, bouncing around and flipping all kinds of ways. However, I was there for the flying trapeze, as are most folks. While waiting, some of the regulars were warming up the (static?) trapeze moves with some toes to bar, handstands and push-​ups. Soon enough, I was belted up (suck in to be secure –no really, not just because you ate too much…), provided some quick, pointed, step-​by-​step instructions, a couple opportunities to demonstrate a few key body positions, and then… off we went! Wow, it goes so quickly, but yeah– why wait for the fun?
You can climb up the ladder without fear because there are cables attached to you the whole time until you return back to the floor. The instructors are amazingly calm and supportive on the ground, on the platform and guiding you/​your ropes/​supports. They are clearly all well versed in the techniques, can perform the tricks and can identify for you what is going well vs. not well. The detailed feedback they provide is incredible. All you have to do is listen, trust them, do what they say, and before you know it — flying through the air with confidence!
They will tell you that you do not need strength or flexibility to fly the trapeze. However, it can’t hurt. The bar is heavier than you might expect as you hold it before you hear the words, «ready,» followed by «hep.» Don’t worry, it has to be strong to support you… and you really just need to support your own weight as you fly. Really though, most people could fly the trapeze here with the professional, talented, attentive instructors guiding you.
The other cool part about the flying is that they video you the whole time. So, after you come off the bar, fall to the net and flip to the ground, you can watch your trick on the monitor. It is pretty incredible to not just have instantaneous specific feedback from the staff, but with the visual support of your flying on the monitor.
Like others have said, expect to have several turns at the tricks — 6 – 8 climbs up that ladder to the platform to try one trick or another. I felt the hardest part was climbing the ladder! The flying seemed easy in comparison. Trust the staff — you are in great hands, literally.
Most people wear tights/​leggings, but the tops vary from tanks to slightly fitted/​fitted shirts. Socks with no toe separation are also the norm. The cooler, the better.
Like they say at TSNY-​DC, «don’t worry about the fear, worry about the addiction…» because you better believe that I can’t wait to go back!

Fantastic place! The staff is friendly, supportive, welcoming and talented. Great focus on safety and technique. Tried out the flying trapeze today for the first time and am already scheduled to go back again. Yes, it’s that fun and that addictive. Love love love it! Excited to try Lyra, aerial silks and Spanish web at some point too! Oh and the pictures are a great keepsake from my first time flying! Great fun. I highly recommend giving it a try!

They were awesome. I was a first-​timer, they were patient, helpful, supportive, and fun. I can’t believe I did the flying trapeze! Totally conquered my fears and they made all the difference!

I had the best time here celebrating my birthday and would recommend it to just about anyone that’s down for a little adrenaline rush (but is still slightly risk averse or a scardy cat.) While a visit here was long overdue, it was everything I hoped it would be and more.
I had hoped to embark on this adventure a long time ago, but due to the weekend popularity and my sometimes irregular schedule I kept pushing it off.
So when I took off work on a Monday to hang out with my sister on my birthday, this was the perfect mid-​day activity.
What I loved most about the school, was that safety was first. There was never a moment where I felt the instructors and staff lost sight of that, so make sure to listen up and respect the rules. I also really appreciated how warm and encouraging the instructors are, always provided positive and constructive feedback after every «run.»
Although I grew up very involved in competitive diving and gymnastics, the first time up the ladder was a tad unnerving. It’s a little higher up than it looks and initially, the wobbly ladder feels foreign. But once you put trust in your instructor and have faith in the process, most of the physical stuff comes pretty easily. In fact, I was pretty boosted to see how much you can actually pull off during your first, two hour session.
Also, I was incredibly excited about how many opportunities we had due to the small class size. By the time I had a chance to sit down, talk with my sister and chill out from my rush, it was time for me to get into queue and start my climb back up.
Overall, I would recommend this to just about everyone in good physical health with just a tad of athleticism and courage. Otherwise, it may not be the perfect adventure for everyone.

Went from just trying to full on addict… not even for us but for our preteen, safe, fun and addicting. The staff is competent looking more like clients than actual instructors. Casual environment serious practise. Our child does the trapeze and the silk. The practise help her build her body, mind and spirit. In the midst of preteen hormones, she build her confidence, self esteem and body image. The clientele is a rainbow pallet colors, gender and body types, all coming together for this novelty experience. Expensive habit but being from the west coast, everything is market high in comparison here. Face your fear, Give it a try and spread your wings you won’t look back

The Trapeze School New York has the best silks rig that I’ve seen in the district. In addition to numerous silks rigs, it also boasts an outdoor flying trapeze (or ‘trap’), indoor flying trap, indoor static traps, lyras, trampolines, and a decently sized floor space. The instructors are universally kind, courteous, and helpful, eager to adjust their teaching to whatever level their students are at, and to let students drive much of the lesson content. Classes aren’t cheap, but they’ll let you pre-​pay for a set number and then drop in whenever you’d like.

My friend and I did trapeze on Saturday and it was a great experience that I’ll always remember! The staff and coaches were amazing! I am terrified of heights and almost backed out half way up the ladder, the staff was so nice and coached me to the top! I felt safe and secure the entire time. I strongly recommend paying this place a visit!

LOVE LOVE LOVE this place and the people who work there! I went with a group of 10 and did the outdoor trapeze class. I was terrified at first but getting over my fear was so worth it! The weather was perfect. Instructors were extremely helpful and taught us to do easy moves before we worked up to a flip and then a catch. Everyone should try this place out!!! THANK YOU TSNY DC!

So happy with my trapeze experience today. My hardest part was jumping off the platform. All of the staff was so patient and supportive. I’ll be back before my trip is over. Thanks guys. Highly recommended.

Holy moly is this place great. My review is solely based on the positive, fantastic, cheerful instructors. Thank you for an amazing experience!
I brought a 12 year old who was also treated so well, full of encouragement. Great for all ages!

Have you been flying today? Whattttttt? Ok, now I’m back on the ground.
This place is wonderful. On top of seeming experienced, everyone is so pleasant to be around. They really do a lot to ensure you have a great time.
Our group had a variety of ages, and it still worked like a charm.
It’s not cheap, but it really feels good value for the great equipment and experienced trainers.
It’s a ton of fun, so I recommend it to all!
Easy to get to with metro and has bike parking!

A bajillion times more fun than just about any other workout I’ve tried. And it is a workout. And an adrenaline rush. Wonderful instructors who are professional and focused on your safety, fun, and progress.
Like any good dealer, they know how to get you hooked. If after your first class you buy another class, then your third is free. Three classes for the price of two! This gives you a chance to figure out if it’s for you and if you want to buy a class pass. Which I totally did.

Reading all of these 5-​star reviews, I’m not at all surprised. This is an awesome place and so fun– as long as you’re with the right group.
The trapeze itself is super fun and TSNY makes it super safe, and the outdoor classes are especially good– so long as it’s not 100 degrees outside. You will definitely learn some new skills and feel pretty good about yourself when the class is over.
The only gripe I have is with the people. The instructors are kind of cold. Some might say this is just professionalism, but I don’t think a little bit of encouragement and kindness is unprofessional. Generally, the staff is ok, but the snark and lack of encouragement is a little biting when you’re already nervous.
Coupled with that, some of the people that will be in your group (unless, of course, you fill the class with your friends) will also have an impact on your experience. While most of the people in my group were awesome, there were some that were very experienced (or so they claimed) that were less than pleasant. There was always a comment or an eye roll if someone took too long going up the ladder or if someone lagged a bit when it was their turn. But, you’ll get that anywhere, I suppose.
Overall, the experience was good and I’d probably go back– but I can’t say it was awesome because of the attitude. 5-​stars for the activity and how organized it was. Docked 1 star for the attitude of some of the instructors and fellow trapeze students.

Brenda’s review is dead on. I don’t know that I need to expound on anything but my personal experience of the activity.
I have a serious fear in life of heights but I’ve been taking strides to overcome it. I went sky diving last summer and now trapeze.
I think I screamed to the top of my lungs on the first jump. I didn’t know I could hold my own weight. The fear of climbing that ladder and swinging from the pole was frightening. But after the first time, I got more and more comfortable.
The staff and other flyers were absolutely amazing. The professionalism made me feel that much more comfortable. We all got to go a fair amount of times to fly in 2 hours.
By the end of the session, I did a knee tuck and Remi caught me from the pole on the opposite end.
This is definitely out of the norm and I will be returning!
If you’d like to see video, check out my Instagram at QueenSweetzLive :)
Have fun!

What an amazing experience! Everyone at the school is so incredibly nice, encouraging and helpful; including all staff and other flyers. Their number one priority is definitely your safety. They have areas marked off, safety harnesses and a big ol’ net to catch you in case you fall. Then their second priority is to make sure you have a great time! They will point out things to help you improve so they next round you go, you can do better.
In my class I think there was 10 people and we each got to go 5 times in 2 hours. I think 5 turns is the perfect amount because my hands were starting to develop callouses and they began to hurt. I don’t think there is much you can do to prevent this and I didn’t see anybody wearing gloves.
The first time up there was a little nerve wrecking. But once you take off, it was so fun! Flying through the air with the wind in your face, amazing! Plus they have a photographer there to capture your best moments :) You have to listen carefully to their instructions because they will tell you the best time to lift your legs up to do the knee bend. If you do well, then you will have an opportunity to be be caught as you swing from one bar to another. At the end of class, you can sign up for your 2^nd class and get your 3^rd class for FREE!

I love Trapeze School of New York. I have actually gone to the school in New York, DC, and Sydney. The great thing is they have similar structure so once you learn a move (as demonstrated by being able to do the catch at the end) you can move to the next move on your next visit no matter what city that is in. I love this aspect because it means I don’t have to start at the beginning each time I visit.
The DC branch is great. The indoor rig is clean and they have extras that I haven’t seen at the other branches such as a trampoline and silks. Because I went with a Living Social group activity I got to try all three.
The instructors are excellent: calm and excited at the same time. It is easy to see they are passionate about the sport and hope to inspire that passion in others. They give specific instructions and feedback each time you attempt the move.
On your very first visit you will complete a full move — the knee hang. They also have classes that move you progressively through all the other moves. And each month, they put on a performance circus show, highlighting the staff and students.
It would make an excellent New Year Resolution (as my first flight was) or a great community to get involved with. Either way, just go out and try it. It makes an amazing story, fun videos to share, and a great way to overcome fears.

What a fun, unique, and novel activity! Add in some awesome staff personalities and a circus show every month or so, and you’ve got yourself a very cool hobby and community.
They’ve got so many types of classes: flying trapeze, static trapeze, silks (sometimes known as aerial dance, or fabrics), trampoline, partner balancing, and I think juggling, too. If you can, go when the weather is nice on the weekend and you’ll probably get to fly on the OUTDOORS trapeze.
If you’re on the fence about trying this out, do yourself the favor and just sign up. It’s a blast! Just make to sure to 1) wear relatively tight fitting, athletic clothing and SOCKS with no toe separation… otherwise, you’ll have to purchase theirs and 2) breathe and smile!
PS. They do an AWESOME FIVE-​DOLLAR SHOW every couple months. Makes for a great date. Sign up for their email list (
) to stay in the loop.

2 hour trapeze class = $ 51
Registration fee = $ 20
Flashdrive with images = $ 22.50
Seeing the terrified look on my face in the first photo and being able to compare it to the last photo where I am being caught in the air by a man with crazy pants = f’n priceless!
It is expensive, but completely worth it. There are three teachers to assist throughout the class and they were all amazing. I have a fear of heights and didn’t even think I would be able to do it. You can tell that the teachers are used to people that are freaked out and they completely know how to handle the situation with ease. A big thank you is in order to Mandy, Megan, and Donovan because I really don’t think I would have gone up that ladder without them, even with all the safety harnesses.
Each class is mixed levels. The class I was in had three people that were new and six people who had been taking classes there for a while. A teacher talks to the newbies in the beginning and explains everything that you are going to do. Seemed like everyone had six tries. The first two I put my legs over the bar let my hands go to swing then just dropped down to the net, the second two I put my legs over the bar then did a backflip dismount, the last two I put my legs over the bar then was caught by the man in crazy pants.
You do not have to do all of that though. One new person just swung back and forth for all of her tries. There is no pressure to do anything that you do not feel comfortable with and the teachers have a good gauge of figuring out what you are up for.
After your first class they offer a special of buy your next class get the third free. I had to resist since it is just too expensive to be something I do often. There were people in my class that go twice a week. The place has a motto — «Forget fear. Worry about the addiction.» And at that price you better be worried about getting addicted, since it basically costs more than being a crack addict, though of course much better for your body.
The teachers were in amazing shape. This is definitely not an easy thing to do and I was really sore for at least a couple days. It seemed like I had used muscles I didn’t even know I had.
Classes are offered in flying and static trapeze, aerial silks, trampoline, and a few other options. They have an indoor and outdoor trapeze set up. I took an outdoor class and it was amazing. Perfect weather, great view of the water when you are on the platform, and if you go on a Friday night in the summer you can hear the concert that is being played over in Yards Park.
I took the class on the last day of my twenties and I don’t think I could have thought of anything better to do. It was the perfect way to usher in a new decade, albeit a little sore.

Looking through my past reviews, I realize that I used to be extremely witty and funny, but in the past year, I’ve gotten really lazy and boring. I’m going to try to remedy that with this review.
I’m no stranger to circus schools– I’ve taken trapeze once (loved it) and a series of trampoline classes (one dislocated rib and one sprained-​type neck later, I decided it wasn’t for me).
What I hadn’t yet tried was aerial silks. I had first tried aerials with silks elsewhere and was extremely frustrated with the instruction and my ability. To be quite honest, although I’m pretty strong, my upper body strength isn’t what it could be. Or rather, I have such a fat ass that my arms simply can’t haul myself up what looks to be a mile of silk.
Although my ass is still fat and my arms are still weak, the instruction here was much improved over my previous experience. I learned a better way to wrap my feet and haul myself up, and because the classes were smaller, I was able to learn many more new tricks than at Urban Evolution. Many, many more tricks. By my second class, I was already doing a drop.
The prices are a little steep– classes can add up. Buying multi-​class packages does decrease the prices per class, but it still is a hit on my budget.
Being able to show off my Spidey-​skill is worth it, though.