Level 2-3 Trapeze

The humble bar and ropes is one of the oldest traditions of circus, and it has been re-imagined in dozens of ways by contemporary artists ranging from comedians to contortionists. This class explores both technique and style, drawing elements from classic and contemporary circus, as well as ballet and modern dance.  At Level 2, we begin inversion work in the ropes, as well as more challenging balances and rolls on the bar.  Level 3 takes us higher into the ropes for inverted poses and drops, and includes many momentum-based skills.  Good grip strength, solid beat technique, and proficiency with a variety of balances is essential to these moves. Here’s a video of an instructor practicing some intermediate trapeze moves: Level 3 Trapeze Sequence.

Prerequisite: Completion of all Level 1 skills with good form

Examples of skills:

Level 2:  Gazelle Drop down, Seahorse (Ferne Special), Seahorse to Hiphang, Backbalance, Poptart, Straddleback Roll, Scissor Roll, Mermaid Spin (aka Around the World), Superman, Footflags, Basic Marionette entrance, Winddown to Candlestick, Kneehang in the Ropes, 1/2 Russian Roll (variations), Horse Circles, Alien Splits, Coffin (to lion) Drop back to Birdcage, Teddybear Slide, Long hang beat to Basket, Single Kneehang, Popup & Over beats, Lion Dropdown, Lever up (one side knee hang to seated), Wedge to Standing, Russian roll prep, Hip Circle prep

Level 3: Angel Roll Around, Rebecca Splits (from inversion), Triangle Splits, Handstand, Shoulderstand, Front Roll to Seated, Billybob, Corkscrew Pullover, Jamila Split, Long hang beats to Arrow, and Hiphang, Pull over to C-balance, Clamshell to Standing, Outside Kneehang, Meathook, Birdcage in the Ropes, Lasso, Skin the Cat (from seated) to Standing, Trapeze Salto, Hip Circles, Crossover Handstand, Fancy Montreal entrance (to Knee hang or Ankle hang), Flying J, Front balance to Dragonfly, Amazon around the World, Flaming Bridge of Doom, Marionette to fancy ropes, The Rewind, Pullover circles, Roll backwards to Straddle under, Elbow Rolls.