Trapeze Class!!!

Today I did something I've never done before, or even thought I'd do. I took a 2-hour flying trapeze class at the School of Acrobatics and New Circus Acts, School of Flight, in south downtown Seattle. I was intrigued when it came up as a Living Social Daily Deal for $30, or half-off. I thought, that sounds fun....
My God, this was one of the hardest things I've ever done! Yet it was one of the coolest things I've ever done! I was one of 6 students today, all female. The youngest, Corrina, was 12, and had done this before. The other four ladies were all late 30s, early 40s, and were first-timers, too.
We had three instructors, one on the ground, and two on the 30-foot (!) platform. I forgot the ground instructor's name, but she was fabulous as were Jeff and Vivian up above. They were all very supportive, and knew we were scared to death!
We started on the ground with a good warm-up, some jumping jacks, stretches and so on.
Corrina led the way, and stunned and amazed us. Oh to be that young and limber again! The other four were all together (it was one's 40th birthday gig), so they all looked at me, and up I went first!
Going up the ladder (which rattled because it's metal, but very sturdy - and you already have a safety device hooked to you) I began to think, "what the hell am I doing?" When I got to the platform I was freaking terrified.
The scariest and really hardest part is getting hold of the bar. Well, they clip all kinds of harnesses to you, thank heavens! So, first you chalk up your hands, then they bring the bar in, and you grab it with your right hand. Meantime, your left arm is hanging on for dear life on the platform. BUT - eventually you have to straighten up, push your chest and hips up and forward and your left arm is now straight. Let me tell you, that bar is heavy, too. Here's where I froze. I couldn't let go. I was mortified. I mean, I was hanging out over a long-way down. But eventually I did it. Whew!
Now, you're leaning forward, and they've got hold of the back of your harness. Then, on the cue, you bend your knees, and when they say "Hup" you let go. And you're off!!
Holy Crap!! It's actually kind of fun once you are airborne! Then, at the "Hup" command from the ground, you let go, and land on your butt in the net. Sound easy? Try it!!!
Anyway, we each got four jumps, attempting the two beginners tricks. The first one is getting your legs over the bar and just swinging upside down, then getting back up. Right. Myself and one other girl couldn't do it. I tried so hard, I really did. Then, the other is the somersault then landing on your butt in the net. I damn near made it, but I was afraid to let go of the bar.
Oh well, I tried. I really did. Vivian told me some people have just come back down the ladder, so that made me feel good!
So, check that one off the bucket list. Next, I have a helicopter ride scheduled in June, but that will be tame I think compared to this! I would also like to skydive someday! What's wrong with me?!