Flying through the air with the greatest of ease,
Those daring young men (and women) on the flying trapeze
THE song lyrics were the perfect description for young daredevils at the Fly Factory’s flying trapeze summer school outside Silvers Circus, Nepean Highway, Mornington, last week.
Instructor Steen Shoar said his sold-out beginners’ classes for those aged seven and up proved the popularity of the flying trapeze among young people. Many participants get the bug and turn up multiple times. Over the three weeks of the trapeze course he says he taught about 140 enthusiasts in four two-hour lessons each day.
“They learn the basics, such as take offs and swinging on the bar, and swinging by their knees,” he said.
“The main goal of the beginner is to learn to make a catch which I call the ‘Jump into the great unknown’.
“They have to hook their knees around the bar and hang upside down and swing out and make a catch.
“There are safety lines and they are able to make mistakes but we talk over it and they can have another go.”
An instructor for 23 years, the southern Californian began as a rock climber and pole walker with Club Med in Mexico, later learning the skills of the flying trapeze, becoming an instructor, and moving to Australia 18 years ago.
Difficult weather conditions prompted Mr Steen to cancel classes on Friday. “The heat and strong north wind made it too difficult for beginners,” he said.
“It would have been even more daunting.”
