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Seattle trapeze artists defy gravity and age

The Flying Fifites take classes together at Emerald City Trapeze in Seattle. Most of them are between 50 and 60-years-old.
The flying fifties is a group of trapeze artists who take classes together at Emerald City Trapeze in Seattle. (photo: KING 5)

Looking at these trapeze artists, you might think the circus is in town. But these flyers aren't what you'd expect.

"You would assume most people here would be pretty young and a lot of them are very athletic," said Kurt Springman. "But I started noticing a few of us with grey hair."

Springman took his first class at Emerald City Trapeze at the sprightly age of 54.

"We all caught our knee hangs which was the goal," said Springman. "The people here are super fun. So, it just made the whole class exciting."

Now at 57, he's performing advanced tricks and has found a community he can relate to.

"This is a Flying Fifties class and almost everyone here is over 50," said Springman.

Kurt Springman is part of the Flying Fifties group at Emerald City Trapeze. (photo: KING 5)

The group spends a lot of time together and can understand the struggles of flying at an older age. It can take them longer to learn new tricks and bounce back from injuries. But despite the challenges, none of them plans on stopping any time soon.

"Hopefully, it will become the flying sixties and seventies," said Springman.

Evening is your guide to Seattle and the Pacific Northwest. Watch it weeknights at 7:30 on KING-TV Ch. 5 or streaming live on KING5.com. Connect with Evening via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Email.

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