RUNNING away to the circus isn’t necessarily childhood folly in West Footscray.
The Women’s Circus, a community of women dedicated to forming relationships and building skills and confidence through the fun of circus performing, has vacancies for members.
“The circus is different from other physical activities in that you can be of any level of fitness, of any age, of any body shape and still find circus skills that you can do and do well,” circus administrator Jane Curtis said.
The unique endeavour began in 1991 as a three-month project of the Footscray Community Arts Centre as a means to provide therapeutic physical activity for victims of sexual assault. “It was set up to heal sexual assault victims and help them reconnect with their bodies,” Jane said.
Since then, the big top has opened its doors to all women and now has about 250 regular training members spread across 14 different weekly classes.
“Women come to us for different reasons, usually because they want to try something different and they’re attracted to our teaching philosophy,” Jane said.
“Women’s circus offers unique way of learning that’s non-competitive. We create a really supportive environment where women set their own physical goals.”
However, it’s not just tumbling and juggling. The circus provides training in all aspects of performance, including music, theatre, and technical skills. Members train together throughout the year before participating in an annual performance, incorporating women of all skill levels.
“At all of our shows, everything is done by women. From the technical stuff like sound, lighting, rigging up ropes for the trapeze, front of house, everything.”
Tuesday morning and Saturday afternoon positions are still available for interested women to join the ‘New Women’ class, where participants are taken through a wide range of basic skills before choosing those that interest them most.
For information, women should call 9687 3665 as soon as possible.
