My toes are peeking over the board, my legs leaning back and my shoulders going forward facing a yawning abyss of net 50m below me.

I don’t know it yet, but fear is written all over my face.

It wouldn’t be natural if it wasn’t. Flight mode really isn’t what nature planned for man or woman-kind, let alone climbing up a preposterously slender ladder 50m, grabbing a bar and then leaping into the air, while leaving legs relaxed to then hang upside down with your knees over the bar.

The trapeze in question is the set-up right in front of the Esplanade, between Muddy's Playground and the Skate Park. Classes are held by the Circus Arts Cairns team and there are three teachers present, with one other assistant.

And while fear and excitement may be clouding the brain, there really isn’t anything to be scared about – students are harnessed at all times. From the moment someone steps up to the ladder, they’re clipped on and when they shimmy themselves up to the platform at the top, another harness is put on as well. And then there’s the net looking buoyant and secure underneath.

The session starts with a practice run on what looks like chin-up bars. Students are patiently shown how it works and it looks easy, especially when the instructor demonstrates: simply haul yourself, elevate your legs, slip them through the bars and hang. Use of the trapeze is taken in turn. As one gets to the top of the platform, another student gets to climb the ladder. This is probably the scariest part (but remember, you’re harnessed!) and you’re allowed to take your time to the top.

At the top, the reality of what you’re about to do sinks in. Toes suddenly feel the chill of wind as it claws into the air over the board. Teacher Lindsay gives some basic instructions including how to stretch out to catch the bar and then to lean out. A gentle "hep" from the instructor behind and, suddenly, almost by surprise, you’re swinging into space.

The trick, it appears, is listening. It’s a bit difficult for Type A control freaks, but just listen for the call ie the teacher who’s giving instructions. The momentum builds as the trapeze swings down and it’s at the very top of the swing that gravity suddenly disappears and swinging the legs up and on the bar is possible.

The workshop aims to be able to give you a "catch" by the end. At an hour and a half, this roughly gives three or four tries on the trapeze.

It should be enough practice for anyone to achieve that hazily remembered dream of being a beautiful trapeze artist swinging through the air and doing a delicate, graceful catch.

Share this article