2nd and 3rd Adult Trapeze Level 2 Classes

I missed posting about my 2nd class. Essentially it was just ok. My instructor was sick, so we had a substitute. We were told to work on combinations of tricks. I worked a sequence of Split Under the Bar, 1 knee roll-up, Straight Up and Down, and Thread the Needle. I also practiced the Angel Sequence, Back Balance, Double Arm Flag, and Free Handed Hammock. I learned 1 new trick - 1/2 Angel on the Ropes. I was on the trapeze 5 times. A lot of the other people were just sitting around, so there was a lot of trapeze time open. But, there was little instruction. I also did some conditioning. All in all, it was a fairly uninspired practice.

Last Friday (my 3rd class) actually had the feel of the lessons the first time around. Only 5 of us showed up, which was nice. My instructor was there as well (along with the 2nd instructor). It was a good class.

1) We started with a combination - Double knee roll-up, Pull to Stand, Iron Cross, and Forward Roll. I was at the trapeze with the 2nd instructor. He was very impressed with my Iron Cross. I actually was able to get my arms completely perpendicular to my body. Also, with the Forward Roll, I had complete control. It was a good sequence for me.

2) Then, we learned the Fairy Pose. It was a difficult one for me. I don't even know how to describe it. You're standing, with one hand higher on the ropes than the other. You pull yourself up, upside down and position one leg straight out (the one near your lower hand). The other hand pulls up, and you wind up in a position on the ropes. My position didn't quite look like it was supposed to, though. I tried it twice and didn't quite get it right either time.

3) Seahorse - This was one I had trouble with during my private lesson. It actually went quite well this time, though. Sit to the side, lay back, balance, switch your knee to the other side of the rope, reach up and pull up (twisting your body into the ropes, legs are in a 1/2 split position), head back against the ropes (back arched), balance, unroll, balance, switch knee back, reach up and sit. I think this will probably go into my act.

4) Double-wrapped angel - This one was one that I didn't try 2 weeks ago. I only did the single wrap then. However, I actually did the double wrap this time. Front balance into catcher's hang, reach up and pull body up, push body through and around (wrapping again), move the ropes to the inside, roll down and out twice into catcher's hang. My roll down was less than graceful. I sort of got stuck both times. But, I did it, which was something. It felt like an accomplishment.

5) Zip Drop - We actually got to do the zip drop this week. I was excited because I want to put this into my act. High straddle, wrap both legs in the ropes, cross ropes behind back, handstand, unhook legs at the knee and slide down (zip), hold the bar into position where legs meet body, unhook legs the rest of the way and push them through to a pike (which causes the drop), then the rope untwists, so you spin 1/2 way, you wind up hanging down from the ropes. This could make a good finale trick.

6) Hip Circle - Front pullover to front balance, hurl yourself forward into a ball, circling the bar and reach through. The trick is the hurling part. You need the momentum to make it all the way around. I actually did it the 2nd time (although it looked really ugly).

7) Heels and Toes - this was the first time I did these where I actually felt like there was hope for me to master them. I actually supported my entire weight with both for maybe 10 seconds each. Granted, I have a long way to go, but it was progress.

So, it was a good class, which got me pumped up again about doing the trapeze.

I also did some conditioning. I didn't do as much as I could have, though. I find that I do better on the trapeze if I don't use all my strength doing the conditioning. I can do pushups and such at home. I go to trapeze class to learn and practice the trapeze moves. So, I think I'm going to go light on the conditioning while in class so that I can do my best at the trapeze part. I'll have to make sure I get my conditioning and strength training in at home.