Frequently Asked Questions
How do I sign-up for my first class?
I have a question about classes?
Please feel free to reach out to our staff with your class questions!
- Front Desk: (206) 906-9442 (Hours of Operation)
- General Questions: [email protected]
What if you are late to class?
If a student is more than 15 minutes late to a class, entry into the class is at the instructor’s discretion. If a student is more than 20 to 25 minutes late, class credit will be forfeited. If you are going to be late, please contact our front desk at (206) 906-9442.
Are there age minimums?
Most classes at ECTA are designed for students ages 12+ or 16+, depending on the discipline. Flying Trapeze is open to participants ages 6+. If you are looking for a variety of youth circus classes or sessions for younger students, we encourage you to explore our offerings at our other Seattle location, SANCA (School of Acrobatics and New Circus Arts).
Who can participate?
Age minimums are listed on classes, so please check the age minimums when you are making your bookings. For your safety, we have a maximum weight limit of 250 pounds for flying trapeze classes. If you have health concerns, please speak with your physician before attending. If you have emotional/psychological concerns regarding the height of the flying trapeze, rest assured that all of our instructors are incredibly experienced in guiding you past your fears until you are safely flying through the air by your own two hands. Sam Keen, author of “Learning to Fly”, took up flying trapeze at the age of 62 in 1993, is still flying on a regular basis!
Are there class minimums?
Emerald City Trapeze requires a of 3 students for our regular non-flying trapeze classes. If we do not have enough students signed up to run a class, we will give notice of cancellation to anyone enrolled the day prior. Any canceled enrollments will receive a refund. If you know that your class is under-enrolled and would like to pay for a second spot in the class to guarantee that it runs, please contact our office team for details.
Classes with 4-10 people booked will run for the full 2 hours. Classes with 2-3 people booked will run for 1 hour. The class format will stay the same, with time set aside for catches at the end.
Is there parking?
Yes! There are free parking spaces on the street, and there is a small parking lot to the south of the studio. Within the parking lot, we have several designated spots for students. The spots with Emerald City Trapeze signs are free to use while you are attending a class. All other parking spots are reserved parking. If you are coming via public transportation, there is a LINK station (SODO) right across the street along with several bus stops.
Do you offer discounts or frequency cards?
If you love circus arts as much as we do (and that’s a lot!), you may find yourself interested in one of our Multipasses.
What Should I Wear?
Stripes, knee-high socks, polka-dots, feathers, sequins and glitter, bow-ties, multi colored tights, leg warmers, leotards/unitards and any other circus wear are highly encouraged! Please wear comfortable, form-fitting athletic clothes – jeans and shorts are not recommended! You should be able to move in your clothes, but if they are too baggy, they will get in your way and be uncomfortable. Shoes are not permitted on the mats or any apparatus. If you have long hair, please put it up with an elastic band. Remove all jewelry. Contact lenses are preferable to glasses if you have the option, as glasses are not permitted on the flying trapeze rig.
For Flying Trapeze we suggest: • Form-fitting pants below the knees (as you will be hanging from the bar by your knees), such as tights, yoga pants, leggings, running pants, or tight sweat pants. Please avoid zippers, snaps, or metal accessories. • Athletic tops – preferably a few layers! • Socks or bare feet once you arrive.
For Aerial Classes: • Form-fitting athletic clothing is best and it is generally more comfortable to have skin covered rather than exposed (tights or leggings are a good idea). • Please avoid wearing rings or jewelry. Clothing with buttons, velcro, snaps, zippers, rivets or other metal accessories are not permitted on any apparatus, as these can damage our equipment and are generally uncomfortable to work out in.
Are there forms I need to fill out before participating?
All new students are required to complete our waiver. For students under 18, a parent or guardian will need to sign their waiver.
When your class day arrives, please come 20 minutes early. You’ll want time to check-in, change your clothes, and warm up your muscles.
Before class, please fill out our digital waiver: Sign Waiver
Can I have my holiday party or wedding at Emerald City Trapeze?
Absolutely! Come celebrate your wedding, special event, or holiday party with one of our unique party packages. For more information regarding pricing and package details, please visit our Parties and Events page.
How do I schedule a private party?
We are happy to accommodate any group, party, or event request! To see current information and rates regarding parties and events at Emerald City Trapeze, please visit our Parties and Events page.
How do I schedule a private lesson?
We offer lessons in all of the disciplines we teach! Check out our Private Lessons page for information on how to book a flying trapeze lesson or a circus lesson in another discipline.
How long are classes?
Class duration is generally between 1-2 hours and the length of the class will be listed on the class page as well as in your purchase confirmation email. All classes are subject to an earlier ending at the instructor’s discretion in order to ensure the safety of our students.
Do you offer open gym?
We offer open gym for professionals and approved advanced students. If you are interested in being approved for open gym, please contact our office team.
Can I bring my pet to class with me?
In an effort to keep our space clean and allergen-free, we do not permit pets inside the building.