Trapeze school is a labor of love for Cincinnati Circus owner

NEWPORT, Ky. - There are no desks or blackboards, and owner Dave Willacker is hoping kids will flock to his school.

His trapeze school.

It stands like an aluminum skeleton in front of Newport on the Levee.

"I found this rig in Yosemite, California," Willacker admits. "Up in the mountains at 8,000 feet, at a gas station."

He had it shipped in and assembled.

Then came a sobering realization.

After sinking all of his money into the rig, Willacker knew he'd have to confront his fear of heights.

"I climbed up and I had to stop and cling to the ladder, 2/3rds of the way up because I was too scared,” he recalls.

So, it should be no surprise that Willacker and his staff are all about safety.

In addition to the net, student fliers are always tethered, first going up the ladder – and again once they are on the platform.

Shane Weaver has been addicted to flying the trapeze for years.

He and his wife saw an article about the school and came running.

Now they are both trapeze trainers with the Cincinnati Circus

"It's a mix of fear and exhilaration," Shane says. "You're always pushing your limits, so you never really get too comfortable."

Willacker says his school is catering to athletes, corporations interested in team building as well as kids of all ages.

Prices start at $45 for a class.

You can find more information at: amazingportablecircus.com/trapeze-school.html