Trapeze Arts

Archived Q&A and Reviews

Nov 2015

RE: Circus Arts for a 3 year old

We've done classes for 3- and 4-year-olds at both Kinetic Arts and Trapeze Arts. At Trapeze Arts the kids spend a lot more time waiting for a turn (as compared to the Kinetic Arts obstacle course approach, in which the kids are moving for almost the entire class), but when they get a turn, they often get really valuable help from instructors. Some classes have been excellent, but in others we've watched our daughter stare at the ceiling for most of the class. The instructors do try to make sure that each kid comes out of every session with a new skill, and they put on a great show on the last day of the session. 

Feb 2009

Has anyone had any experience with Trapeze Arts in Oakland? I took a class there recently and loved it. I'm considering signing up one or both of my children (ages 5 & 7) for summer camp. I checked the archives and didn't see much, so I'm hoping that someone on BP can share their experience with this place. Thank you! Jenn

FYI for the person interested in reviews of/info on Trapeze Arts summer camp...

I've just signed my daughters up for Trapeze Arts' summer camp. Since this will be the first time they've participated in the camp, I can't give you any feedback on the program, but I can tell you this: Your five-year-old will not be eligible.

Despite the fact that my younger daughter, who is currently six, has been taking class at TA all year (which she loves), she was not eligible to participate in the summer camp until the actual week this summer that she turns seven. When I wheedled and pleaded for them to take her earlier in the summer (in a week that was far more convenient for our schedule) TA staff said, in essence, ''We have to be very rigorous about not taking kids younger than seven. It's a long day at our camp, the kids are constantly on the go, and we find that kids under seven simply can't keep up.''

Hope that's of some use to you! Darcy

My daughter, then aged 7, took part in a week-long summer camp at Trapeze Arts a couple of years ago. She often does camps with friends, but is generally confident and sociable and was initially happy to go by herself to this one. If your 7 year old (7 is the minimum age for their camps) has previous Trapeze Arts (or similar) experience, I'm sure he or she would have a great time. My daughter had not, so she was very much sidelined. Most of the children there attended weekly classes at Trapeze Arts, and many of them were also doing numerous summer camp weeks. Another thing which resulted in a decidedly unhappy week for her, was one of the instructors imitating her accent (we're English). I approached the manager to address this, but it was not dealt with well. Consequently, I'm unable to recommend this camp. Becky

August 2008

Re: Gymnastics Class for 5 year old boy

This isn't straight gymnastics, but very fun for a 5 year old. Trapeze Arts is a wonderful circus school in Oakland, where he can learn tumbling, trapeze, trampoline, etc. It's non-competitive and fun, with close attention paid to safety. The family that runs the school are wonderful, caring people who hire the same. Have fun! Heidi

Oct 2004

Re: Circus school in the East Bay?
Try Trapeze Arts in Oakland. They have classes for adults and children. They're listed in the telephone book. Website here: http://www.caladventures.com/TrapezeArts.htm with a coupon!

Trapeze Arts in West Oakland is a fantastic place to learn circus arts! Flying Trapeze, Aerial Arts, Trampoline, juggling, etc. The teachers are experienced with kids and with performing and are a varied and enthusiastic group of people. Adults and teens take classes here too. My daughter and other kids I know have been really happy with classes at this one year old Circus Arts school. Give them a call for types and times of classes.(510) 419-0700. Laurie