Weightlessness, Flying Trapeze for Everyone

Introduce the flying trapeze to the people of Lausanne and foster social and multigenerational cohesion around it.

The main objective of this project is to offer Lausanne residents of all ages the opportunity to discover the flying trapeze and to foster social connections. The outdoor installation of the flying trapeze (near the Vidy Pyramids) will make it easily accessible to passersby for introductory sessions and shared experiences, while bringing vitality to the neighborhoods of Sébeillon-Malley, Montoie-Bourdonnette, and Montriond-Cour. In the long term, the association “Apesanteur: Flying Trapeze for Everyone” hopes to train local residents—children, teens, and adults—to help lead free sessions, events, and classes, while promoting an inclusive activity that benefits both physical and mental health.

The association Apesanteur, Flying Trapeze for Everyone, envisions using the participatory budget to offer free introductory sessions, reasonably priced classes, and to form partnerships with associations, events, and institutions in the city of Lausanne. Here are the initiatives we plan to undertake through the participatory budget. Free introductory sessions: During the active season, from April to October, the Apesanteur association will offer at least one free 2-hour introductory session per month to allow as many people as possible to discover the flying trapeze. These sessions, open to children, teens, and adults regardless of gender, will offer a unique opportunity to foster mutual support and push one’s limits. We estimate that approximately 30 people per month will be able to try this activity, thereby promoting interaction and connections among residents. Classes: Weekly classes will be offered from April through June and from August through October, for those looking to get started or improve their skills on the flying trapeze. Financial support and the free use of the venue will make it possible to offer affordable classes led by experienced coaches. In addition, introductory flying trapeze sessions for 50 people will be funded through the participatory budget to allow residents who cannot afford it to enjoy this activity. This will ensure that the classes are diverse. Partnerships: It will be essential to develop partnerships with the residents of Lausanne. We plan to do this, in particular, through the following connections: First, by participating in the Lausanne-sur-Mer event. We want to offer free access to the flying trapeze during the two weeks of the event. Sylvain Nicolier, the event director, is in favor of this enriching and exclusive collaboration for Lausanne residents (see contact information in the appendix). The flying trapeze adds an innovative element to the event, which does not currently feature any circus activities. Thus, the Lausanne sur Mer program would offer at least 8 flying trapeze sessions, which could benefit more than 100 people. Second, several circus schools—Cirque de Lausanne-Renens (director: Yukié Vauthey), Kids Up (director: Nolvenn Dufay), and Coquino (director: Frédéric Klink)—are enthusiastic about the flying trapeze project taking place nearby (see contact information in the appendix). They will be able to offer this unique discipline to their students through one-time workshops or camps during school breaks. In addition, artistic collaborations could emerge, such as free performances. Third, we want to organize an event with the Faverges community center so that its members can enjoy it and strengthen their bonds. Stéphane Ballaman, the director of the Faverges community center, sees this as an opportunity to strengthen social ties while offering an extraordinary activity. Fourth, we are committed to supporting people with disabilities and aim to collaborate with organizations that serve this population to develop sessions tailored to their needs. In this way, we will enable everyone to participate in flying trapeze and grow and flourish. Going Further: If these projects prove successful among the residents of Lausanne, the association’s mission is to develop classes encouraging women to participate in sports, to take part in other events in Lausanne such as Water Rugby, and to offer demonstrations and performances. Budget details are included in the appendix*. The difference between expenses and revenue amounts to approximately -22,420 CHF; with the 20,000 CHF in funding, this results in a deficit of -2,420 CHF. This deficit will be covered by a request for a donation from an external organization or by the association itself. Conclusion: Thanks to the CHF 20,000 in financial support from the city and its free loan of the venue as part of the Participatory Budget, the Apesanteur association can offer 15 free introductory classes and 32 flying trapeze lessons. As a result, approximately 450 people will be able to benefit from this exceptional activity and its physical and mental benefits. In addition, Lausanne residents will be able to forge connections among people from different cultures, social groups, and age groups, and foster a sense of community in the neighborhoods surrounding the Vidy Pyramids.

We would like the flying trapeze to be located near the Vidy Pyramids to ensure accessibility and visibility. Our first choice is the grassy area between the rowing club and the soccer field. Our second choice is the Vidy sports facilities, behind the La Fièvre skatepark. We need the municipality’s help to apply for permission to use the site.