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!

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 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. 

For FF & FTE classes:

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.

For AFF classes:
Classes with 4-9 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.

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!

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.

Emerald City has 3 separate Open Gym (OG) certifications: Aerial, Pole, and Cyr Wheel. You must pass certification in each discipline to use the respective apparatus. Open Gym Certification does not clear students for Chinese Pole, Tightwire, Teeterboard, Trampoline or Trampoline Wall, or Acro.New students to ECTA: Must have been studying Aerial consistently for at least 6 months.  Prior to testing for Open Gym, new students must first take a class at ECTA or schedule a private with an ECTA instructor.  The instructor will determine whether they are approved for open gym, OR, new students can pay a $30 assessment fee to the studio and the Aerial Director will schedule a 30-minute evaluation.

Current students: Must be working at Intermediate level; must speak to their instructor for Open Gym approval; must be actively attending a Technique Class at ECTA (1 class a week or 4 classes a month).

Professionals: Must be referred by ECTA staff.

Certification Requirements for Open Gym:

Aerial:

  • 2 standard climbs without stopping in between (up – down, up – down)
  • 3 straddle-ups in the air
  • 3 pullovers on trapeze or hoop
  • 3 pull-ups
  • Rigging checklist

Aerial Open Gym can only be obtained from ECTA’s Aerial Director and is not valid for other apparatus or equipment.  Aerial certification is held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:00pm. To make arrangements outside of the 5:00pm certification time, please give our staff 12 business hours of notice. If the student passes certification, their first Open Gym drop-in fee will be waived. Please sign up online, or contact the studio to make other arrangements.

Please take a moment to view our full Open Gym Policy.

Pole:

  • Inside / outside leg hangs on both sides
  • 2 climbs
  • 4 inverted pole moves (strung together)
  • Controlled dismounts (including inverts)
  • 6 basic spins
  • Rigging checklist

Pole Open Gym can only be obtained from an ECTA Pole Instructor and is not valid for other apparatus or equipment; privilege can be granted in class.

Please take a moment to view our full Open Gym Policy.

Cyr:

  • 4 periods of the Waltz (i.e. right foot gets near the floor while spinning in a Waltz 4 times)
  • Rigging checklist

Cyr Wheel Open Gym can only be obtained from an ECTA Cyr Wheel Instructor and is not valid for other apparatus or equipment; privilege can be granted in class.

Please take a moment to view our full Open Gym Policy.

Cancellations and Refunds: Bookings for Open Gym Certification are Non-Refundable but can be rescheduled if changed prior to 24 hours before the start of the session time. Sessions canceled within 24 hours of the start of the session will be considered redeemed, and upon re-booking, student is required to pay the $30 fee again. You may participate in Open Gym while regular classes or private sessions are in progress only if there are points available.

Check out our calendar on our classes page to find out when the space is free.

Please take a moment to view our full Open Gym Policy.

ECTA Staff Training Only on Saturdays from 6pm – close

  • Open gym will be open on the stage, closed on b-side during ECTA Staff Training

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.