Support Us Button Widget

Try this: Take a flying trapeze class in Nashville

Here’s everything we learned at our all levels drop-in flying trapeze class with the Nashville School for the Aerial Arts + what you should know ahead of booking.

City Editor Skylar soars through the air on the trapeze bar.

Consider this our pro tip No. 1 — make sure you stretch before class.

Photo by NASHtoday

Table of Contents

Any thrill seekers in the audience? If you’ve ever been to a circus, you’ve likely seen some form of an aerial arts performance, but did you know you can swing from the rafters right here in Music City?

We recently tried an all levels drop-in flying trapeze class at the Nashville School for the Aerial Artswhich also offers aerial silk + hammock, lyra, and other classes. If you’re looking to raise the bar on your summer bucket list, here’s what to know before booking your first class.

The basics

  • Safety: You’ll be connected to a harness and safety lines from the time you climb the ladder until the moment you come down from the net.
  • What you’ll learn: In your first drop-in class, instructors will teach you how to gain position on the bar, hook your legs for a knee hang, and perform the catch. Returning students can practice new tricks at their own pace.
  • Experience: All experience levels are welcome (Editor Skylar had none), but participants must be at least 8 years old + weigh no more than 250 pounds.

The lingo + skills

  • The takeoff: This is the step right before you leap from the platform. You’ll start in ground school, where you’ll practice on the floor standing with your hips forward, reaching out, and keeping your chest nice and tall.
  • Ready and hep: From there, you’ll hear “ready,” your signal to bend your knees. Then, “hep,” the small jump off of the platform. Pro tip: Timing is crucial — make sure you’re ready to go at each call.
  • Hook your legs: The first command in flight, a call that comes right at the peak of your first swing, and when you’ll start bringing your legs to the bar. “Hands off” follows the command to then hang upside down. You’ll arch your back all the way on the next swing before the call to bring your legs down and have a seat in the net.

For what to wear, cost, how to book, and the cancellation policy — review this list of frequently asked questions.

More from NASHtoday
The restaurant by the 11-time James Beard nominated restaurateur is set to bloom in summer 2025 at Southside at McEwen, the Franklin shopping center anchored by Whole Foods.
To help make your entire process at the Nashville International Airport as smooth as possible, we’ve created a guide that covers everything from parking and food to details on the airport’s nonstop flights.
Need a new job or connections for professional development? Try one of these networking opportunities in Nashville.
How hot are you willing to go? Don’t worry, there are plenty of heat levels for your taste buds at participating restaurants during Hot Chicken Week.
The resort and convention center is undergoing interior and exterior updates through spring 2027.
Nashville is one of 20 cities nominated for its street art scene.
Music City is largely represented on this year’s James Beard Award list with five semifinalists across three categories.
Are you ready fore it? Here’s what to know about the golf venue, which is expected to open by the end of 2025.
Orchids at Cheekwood (Jan. 25-March 2) brings sweeping displays to the Mansion and offers a variety of workshops hosted by The Cheekwood Gardening School.
The new Hillsboro Village restaurant, located in the former KayBob’s Grill & Ale space, specializes in American cuisine made with local ingredients.