Locals Learn How to Fly

Everyone knows humans can't fly. But that doesn't stop adventure seekers from across the tri-state from flocking to Rockville Centre to give it their best shot. 

Not to worry – no one's jumping out of trees or airplanes. Rather, they are signing up for classes at the I.Fly Trapeze School.

Nestled among the trees at the Center for Science Teaching and Learning, located in the Tanglewood Preserve in the village, I.Fly offers guests the chance to soar through the trees for an hour and a half as they learn trapeze and aerial arts. Franklin Square natives Anthony Rosamilia, 32, and Marco Rosamilia, 33, founded the school five years ago. Originally located in Smithville, it moved to Rockville Centre in 2009.

The brothers learned how to use a trapeze while working for the Club Med resort chain. Recalling the first time he tried it, Anthony said he knew it was for him.

"It was like nothing else," he said. "I did it one time and it hit me like a bug. Once I did it, I wanted to learn more about it, and eventually you want to teach your performance skills to others."

After more than a decade, and several years as instructors for Club Med, that's exactly what the Rosamilias are doing.

"The majority of our clientele are first timers, people who have never tried it and are looking for the experience," Anthony said. "Coming and flying with us is unique because it's not just the opportunity to fly on the trapeze and see what its like, but our staff have hospitality experience, so we really create an encouraging environment and fun atmosphere."

While some students are initially scared to climb the 23-foot pedestal, the fear usually subsides after one flight.

"We have a saying, 'First time for fear, second time for fun,'" Anthony explained. "After you get up there one time, you know what to expect, and then when you get up there again and again, you can start to perform a little bit more. Like anything else, it's all about repetition. By the end of class, most people are making their first hook-knee catch."

Nikki Rowley, 25, of Arizona, was one of those people. She recently attended I.Fly while visiting her cousins in Sayville. 

"The trapeze school was a blast!" Rowley said. "The best part about it was flying through the air and grabbing onto someone else's hands - how often are you going to that in your lifetime?!"

The school is open from April to October, though the Rosamilias are looking into the possibility of opening an indoor, year-round facility in the recreation center or a neighboring town.

Classes cost $40 for children under 14 and $50 for adults. Reservations can be made by phone or online. Group bookings must be made over the phone.