Eduardo Blanco flies to catch Kryssiana Paulo at a recent practice at Southern Trapeze Rush. Photo/Michael Boylan.

Swing through the air ...

Trapeze school open in Fayetteville

Area residents who have driven by Wings & Things in Fayetteville have undoubtedly seen the trapeze rig set up and might be thinking that the circus is coming to town. They would be wrong. The trapeze belongs to Southern Trapeze Rush, a business that gives people of all ages a chance to fly through the air with the greatest of ease.

Several years ago, a rig was set up at Gym South in Fayetteville. Maria Paulo and several other instructors taught students how to perform a number of tricks on the trapeze. There was a difference in opinion on how to run the fledgling trapeze school, though, and it eventually closed. Paulo continued to search out ways for her to continue flying, which is one of her life’s passions, and was determined to operate a trapeze school on the Southside so that she could continue her progress on the trapeze and introduce it to others.

Southern Trapeze Rush had its first official day at its present location May 15. Paulo is the project manager for owners Mike and Sanita Hampton. There are close to 60 students who work on the trapeze in a given week and a number of organizations like the Girl Scouts have come out to give the trapeze a try. In addition to Paulo, work on the trapeze is taught by Rodrigo Tapia and Eduardo Blanco, both from Mexico City, who taught trapeze at a Club Med.

All of the instructors stress the importance of safety and each student must wear safety belts which are attached to lines that are manned by the instructors. After stepping off the pedestal and swinging on the trapeze, the student’s rate of falling to the net is controlled by the instructor. Students are also attached to the safety belt and line as they ascend the ladder to the pedestal. The highest point of the rig is 32 feet with the pedestal standing 22 feet off the ground and the net 12 feet below the pedestal. If a student comes in with a fear of heights, like Paulo did when she made her first flight years ago, it is soon conquered.

“It is completely safe and because of the lines and the net you know you’re safe,” said Paulo. “It is a huge self-confidence builder.”

Paulo also feels that the trapeze is fun, adventurous and a good form of physical fitness. Her students agree, often scrambling right back up the ladder right after attempting a trick.

Southern Trapeze Rush is open seven days a week with classes lasting 3:45-5:45 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Monday-Friday. There are three sessions available on Saturday and Sunday and people are welcome to give it a tryout with one swing at $10 and three for $25. There are discounts available for the more classes a student takes. For more information on Southern Trapeze Rush, visit www.SouthernTrapezeRush.com or phone 770-716-2300.

Paulo and many of her students agree that once someone “feels the rush,” they’ll be hooked.