Trapeze School New York offers recreational flying trapeze instruction at two locations in Manhattan

Trapeze School New York (TSNY) runs classes at two sites: one in Long Island City, Queens, and one in the Financial District of Manhattan. Both locations teach flying trapeze to adults and children through group classes and private lessons. Classes run year-round outdoors under a tent structure, with instruction from certified professionals who catch students as they swing.

The school does not require prior circus experience or athletic background. Most classes mix beginners with returning students, and instructors adjust the difficulty based on each person's comfort level. A typical class lasts two and a half hours and includes a safety briefing, warm-up, and multiple attempts on the trapeze.

TSNY also offers birthday parties, corporate team events, and special workshops. The school maintains its own equipment and safety protocols, including a net below the trapeze and spotters on the ground during every swing.

Key Takeaways

  • Trapeze School New York has two locations — one in Long Island City and one in the Financial District — both operating year-round under outdoor tents.
  • Group classes mix beginners and experienced flyers, last two and a half hours, and cost between $70 and $100 per person depending on the day and time.
  • Private lessons are available for individuals or small groups and cost more than group classes but allow for customized instruction.
  • The school offers special events including birthday parties, corporate team building, and workshops for groups of various sizes.
  • No prior experience or special fitness level is required to take a class, though the school recommends being in reasonable health.

Group Class Pricing and Schedule

Group classes at TSNY run on a drop-in basis, meaning you can book a single class without committing to a series. Prices vary by time of day and day of the week. Weekday evening classes and weekend classes typically cost different amounts, with weekend slots generally priced higher. The school updates its schedule and pricing on its website, and you book through an online reservation system.

Classes are capped at a certain number of students per session to may support each person gets adequate instruction and time on the trapeze. During busy seasons, popular time slots fill quickly. The school recommends booking in advance rather than showing up without a reservation.

First-time students do not pay an extra fee or orientation charge — the cost is the same as any other class attendee. The two-and-a-half-hour session includes everything needed to participate.

Private Lessons and Custom Instruction

TSNY offers private lessons for individuals or small groups who want one-on-one or semi-private instruction. Private sessions allow you to work at your own pace, focus on specific skills, or schedule outside the regular group class times. A private lesson typically lasts one to two hours, depending on what you arrange with the school.

Private lesson rates are higher than group classes and depend on the number of people, the length of the session, and the instructor. You contact the school directly to discuss your goals and receive a custom quote. Private lessons are useful for people with scheduling constraints, those who want to progress faster, or groups celebrating a special occasion.

Birthday Parties and Group Events

TSNY hosts birthday parties for children and adults at both locations. A party typically includes a group trapeze class, instruction tailored to the birthday person's level, and time in a private party area. The school provides a coordinator to manage the event and can accommodate groups of various sizes.

Corporate team-building events are also available. Companies book a session where employees participate in trapeze instruction together, often as a trust-building or morale activity. The school works with corporate clients to customize the experience and can accommodate large groups across multiple sessions if needed.

Party and event pricing depends on group size, the time of day, and any add-ons you choose. You contact the school directly to discuss your event and receive a quote.

What to Bring and What to Expect on Class Day

Wear comfortable clothes you can move in — athletic wear, leggings, or shorts work well. The school provides a harness and all safety equipment. Avoid loose jewelry, long nails that might catch, and anything that could fall out of a pocket. Most people wear sneakers or go barefoot; the school will advise based on the day's conditions.

Arrive 15 minutes early to check in, sign a waiver, and receive a safety briefing. The instructor will explain the equipment, demonstrate the swing, and answer questions before anyone goes up. During the class, you'll warm up on the ground, then take turns climbing the ladder and swinging. A trained catcher stands on a platform to catch you mid-swing and guide you safely to the net.

The experience is physically demanding but not dangerous if you follow instructions. The net catches you if you fall, and spotters are present throughout. Most people feel nervous before their first swing but report it as exhilarating once they try it.

Location Details and How to Book

The Long Island City location is in Queens near the waterfront and is accessible by subway. The Financial District location is in lower Manhattan, also near public transit. Both sites operate the same year-round schedule under weather-protected tent structures, so classes run even on rainy days.

To book a class, visit the TSNY website and select your preferred location, date, and time. You'll create an account, choose your class, and pay online. The confirmation email includes directions, parking information, and what to bring. If you need to cancel, the school's cancellation policy is posted on the website — most policies allow cancellation up to a certain number of hours before class.

For questions about classes, pricing, or special events, you can contact the school through its website or call the location directly. Staff can answer questions about difficulty levels, physical limitations, or whether a class is right for you.

Age Requirements and Physical Considerations

TSNY offers classes for children as young as four years old, though the school has separate programming for different age groups. Adult classes welcome people of all ages and fitness levels. The school does not have a maximum age limit.

The school recommends that participants be in reasonable health and able to climb a ladder, swing, and land safely in a net. People with certain injuries, joint problems, or medical conditions should discuss their situation with the school before booking. Pregnancy is typically not recommended for trapeze instruction. The school asks you to disclose any health concerns when you book so instructors can advise whether a class is appropriate.

Strength and flexibility help but are not required. The instructors teach proper technique so that people of different fitness levels can participate safely in the same class.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be athletic or have circus experience to take a class?

No. TSNY classes are designed for people with no prior experience or special fitness level. Instructors teach proper technique from the beginning, and the class mixes beginners with returning students. You work at your own pace, and the instructor adjusts based on your comfort and ability.

What happens if I'm afraid of heights?

Many people who are afraid of heights take TSNY classes successfully. The trapeze platform is only about 35 feet high, and you're secured in a harness the entire time. A trained catcher catches you mid-swing, and a net is below. The school recommends talking to an instructor about your concerns before class so they can support you through it.

Can I bring a friend or family member to watch my class?

Yes. Both locations have viewing areas where friends and family can watch classes. Spectators do not pay a fee. This is common for birthday parties and special events, and also available during regular group classes.

What if I want to try trapeze but am not sure I'll like it?

You can book a single drop-in class without committing to multiple sessions. This lets you try it once and decide whether you want to return. Many people book one class out of curiosity and end up coming back regularly.

Are there discounts for multiple classes or memberships?

TSNY offers class packages and membership options that reduce the per-class cost compared to paying for single drop-in classes. Details and pricing are available on the school's website or by contacting the location directly.