At the start of each year, it's not uncommon to make two resolutions: 1) Get in shape, and 2) Try something new. Sometimes they happen, but more often than not, they don't. So, here's a way to reach both of those lofty goals at once, literally.

Learn to fly through the air with the greatest of ease at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center's Beginning Aerial Dance Class.

Otherwise known as trapeze, aerial dance combines dance techniques with spinning and soaring on trapeze bars in a safe, fun and supportive environment - all while improving strength and having fun, no experience necessary.

Taught by Charly McCreary, this class is not for circus clowns in training, but rather for those who appreciate dance and want to "learn how to fly." McCreary has a background in ballet, yoga and belly dancing, and is a member of the Cabiri performance troupe based in Highland Park which specializes in storytelling through physical theatre.

But don't worry, this is no "hang from the ceiling by your ankle," Teatro ZinZanni-style training, the bar heights are low (between 4 and 6 feet off the ground) and students learn to familiarize themselves with the trapeze one step at a time.

"Aerial dance explores the relationship between the ground and the air in a very fluid way," says McCreary. "We spend a lot of time on ground learning how to dance with the bar; it's kind of like a dance learning to dance with a partner."

Students use improv movements to approach, interact and dance with the bar, versus just running up to the bar and hopping on. And the process is graceful and slow.

Because the muscles used aerial dance are typically different than what most people use for the majority of exercise, the class begins with a half an hour of stretching and a yoga-based warm up. The instructor goes over shoulder safety (as this is the area most affected by the trapeze) and then it's time to hit the bars for an hour. There are a minimum of three trapezes set up and a maximum of 12 people in class, so students have a lot of bar time to enjoy.

"In the first few sessions we explore things like how the trapeze moves through space and how our bodies can work with or against it," says McCreary.

But once you get the hang of it (no pun intended), the trapeze lifts you up into a different world and takes you back to memories of childhood.

"From the moment your toes get off the ground, you begin to feel free like you're flying, even though you're only about four feet off ground," she smiles. "The transition from dancing on the ground to dancing in the air is a magical moment-it's this feeling that people really get hooked on."

The closest analogy that most beginning students make with aerial dance is that it's similar to feeling like a kid on a swing set soaring through the air. It's fun and exhilarating but it's also great exercise.

"Because people have so much fun, they forget they are exercising," says McCreary. "Until the next day of course, when arms begin to feel sore from this amazing workout."

And in addition to helping people reach exercise goals, aerial dance also lifts the spirit.

"Aerial dance gives students a reason to take risks and succeed," McCreary says. "By realizing, 'oh my gosh, I just hung from my knees, I can't believe it,' it really inspires people to try more new things while building confidence and self-esteem."

So, if you're ready to take the leap, sign up for the next 6-week session starting April 3rd. Chances are, once you experience the natural high of aerial dance, you may not want to come back down.

(Information Box)

What:

Aerial Dance (Trapeze)

Where:

Youngstown Cultural Arts Center

Movement Studio

4408 Delridge Way S.W.

321.3393

http://youngstownarts.org/cal/116

When:

Mondays 6:15-8 p.m. (April 3-May 8)

The next session begins in early June.

Price:

$100 for the entire 6-week session, or

$20 for a drop-in (space permitting, contact the instructor in advance)

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