Several years ago, a rig was

set up at Gym South in Fayetteville. Maria Paulo and several other

instructors taught students how to perform a

number of tricks on the trapeze. There was a difference in opinion on

how to run the fledgling trapeze school, though, and it eventually closed.

Paulo continued to search out ways for her to continue flying, which

is one of her life's passions, and was determined to operate a trapeze

school on the Southside so that she could continue her progress on the

trapeze and introduce it to others.

Southern Trapeze Rush had its first official day at its present location

May 15. Paulo is the project manager for owners Mike and Sanita Hampton.

There are close to 60 students who work on the trapeze in a given week

and a number of organizations like the Girl Scouts have come out to give

the trapeze a try. In addition to Paulo, work on the trapeze is taught

trapeze at a Club Med.

All of the instructors stress

the importance of safety and each student must wear safety belts which

are attached to lines that are manned by

the instructors. After stepping off the pedestal and swinging on the

trapeze, the student's rate of falling to the net is controlled

line as they ascend the ladder to the pedestal. The highest point of

the rig is 32 feet with the pedestal standing 22 feet off the ground

and the net 12 feet below the pedestal. If a student comes in with a

fear of heights, like Paulo did when she made her first flight years

ago, it is soon conquered.

"It is completely safe and because of the lines and the net you

know you're safe," said Paulo. "It is a huge self-confidence

builder."

Paulo also feels that the trapeze is fun, adventurous and a good form

of physical fitness. Her students agree, often scrambling right back

up the ladder right after attempting a trick.

Southern Trapeze Rush is open seven days a week with classes lasting

3:45-5:45 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Monday-Friday. There are three sessions available

on Saturday and Sunday and people are welcome to give it a tryout with

one swing at $10 and three for $25. There are discounts available for

the more classes a student takes. For more information on Southern Trapeze

Rush, visit www.SouthernTrapezeRush.com or phone 770-716-2300.

Paulo and many of her students

agree that once someone "feels

the rush," they'll be hooked.

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