Flying with the Greatest of Ease at Fly School Circus Arts

Story, photos by Cassie Hepler

Sometimes you have to just let go and let live… this was the lesson I learned when given an opportunity to try out Mary Kelly Rayel’s Fly School Circus Arts in Northern Liberties, Philadelphia.

For only $60 (and sometimes weekday specials as well), you too can attempt to fly through the air with the greatest of ease for two hours. She preps you well first with a small, low hanging bar at the back of the net and coaches you to trust her and her team. The next thing you know, you are climbing with your heart pounding, head pumping, palms sweaty (no worries, they have a sack of hand chalk) and with a little bit of instruction, flying through the air (with harnesses for safety reasons, of course). I took baby steps – first a flying, then a knee hang, then a flip and even attempted the bonus round!
It’s an amazing workout that left me sore today (and bruised on my legs but I bruise like a peach anyway). But for anyone who likes a challenge and that euphoric adrenaline rush, welcome to your new addiction.