By Charlene Gatt
CATHERINE van Wilgenberg and Sheryl Bryce are proof that old girls can learn new tricks.
The two are members of the Performing Older Women’s Circus, a group of 40-plus women who aren’t afraid to swing on a trapeze, perform moves on a corde lisse or any number of other circus acts.
Physical training classes include weekly aerials and acrobalance classes held at the Footscray Drill Hall and Fitzroy.
The group’s oldest member is 72.
Ms van Wilgenberg, 61, joined the circus last year, two false hips and all, and said the sessions made her feel like a young girl again.
“I got bored with (gym) machinery and I wanted some fun. We run around like girls and it’s better music and the exercise is better for me than at the gym,” the Yarraville resident said.
“I was never a gymnast or anything. You’ve got to push your boundaries. You think to yourself ‘I never thought I could do that’”.
Ms van Wilgenberg said the classes made a huge difference to her overall health.
Ms Bryce, who has been doing classes since 2001, said most newcomers suffered from a fear of heights but ended up becoming more confident in themselves and their bodies.
“Everyone’s got their own little things that are wrong, so we’ve just got to be very careful,” Ms Bryce said.
The Performing Older Women’s Circus has been running since 1995. The women exhibit their talents a few times a year for different gigs.
For more information on the circus or to join, call 9421 0773.
