Circus Arts Education in Australia

Circus Arts education in Australia is gaining popularity as an alternative to the regular extra curricular activities on offer. With school holidays come dance programs, music workshops, soccer camps and for a lot of kids these days – circus school.

Circus is being recognised more and more as not only physically beneficial for youngsters but a great factor in the mental health and well-being of those who partake in circus training.

According to a study undertaken by Dr Richard McGrath and  Kristen Stevens from the University of South Australia in 2019 – Forecasting the Social Return on Investment Associated with Children’s Participation in Circus-Arts Training on Their Mental Health and Well-Being…“for every dollar invested for a child in a circus training program, seven dollars are potentially saved in their future mental health costs.” Lead researcher Dr Richard McGrath said stress relief; self-esteem; confidence and socialisation were considerably boosted by learning circus skills. “Children felt a greater sense of freedom, confidence and happiness…and reported feeling brave and proud of their achievements.”

Social and community circus also provide the same overall health and well-being benefits . By educating and creating performances, organisations like Women’s Circus in Melbourne and Theatre Kimberly’s Dragonfly Circus are able to create safe spaces for learning and sharing with community that in turn reap rewards for the participants by giving them a sense of belonging.

Australia’s reputation for creating contemporary circus has seen the success of companies like CIRCA and CircusOz extend globally with international performances part of their regular touring agenda. The scope then for kids who develop a passion for circus, is far more tangible, with the realisation that circus is something that they can grow into professionally in Australia, if not the world, if they choose.

With the mental, social and physical advantages for people of all ages, especially children it would be great to see more integration of circus in schools. This 2014 article from ‘The Conversation’ – “Circus training instead of school sports? Now there’s an idea”, summarises like so, “If, after more than three decades of pioneering progress in the field of community circus, Australian parents, young participants, and creative workers in the field staunchly advocate for its capacity to effect positive personal and social change, isn’t it high time for research initiatives and cultural policy to catch up with community experience? How about circus training, funded as an element of physical and personal development in schools, and as an alternative to sport? Now that’s a provocation for our country’s cultural policy-makers.”

I know if I had the choice between traditional sport offerings and circus arts I would have chosen circus arts. It is still a team building activity, you are moving all the time, you create connections and you build trust amongst your peers. It would also have been a lot of fun. Whether your dream is to perform in the big top or not, circus arts education is definitely growing every day in Australia. We’ve listed just some of the education providers and circus organisations across the nation and is by no means comprehensive. If we have missed some please feel free to let us know or contact a school, program or workshop you know of in your local area to get your child or yourself involved. Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls – Welcome to the Circus!

Circus Arts Education

1. NICA – National Institute for Circus Arts, Swinburne University, Melbourne VIC. The National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA) is Australia’s Centre of Excellence in contemporary circus arts training, offering Australia’s only Bachelor of Circus Arts. The course is accredited by Swinburne University of Technology and NICA is located at its Prahran campus. NICA attracts applicants from across the world and entry into the Bachelor Degree and Certificate IV Course is highly competitive.

2. Fly Factory, Blackburn VIC. Fly Factory is home to Melbourne’s only indoor, full sized, flying trapeze rig. We offer a range of classes for adults and children, including Flying Trapeze, CircFit, Aerials and more. Book online for term or casual Flying Trapeze classes, or sign up for one of our flying trapeze workshops at Fly Factory’s indoor location in Blackburn. For those who want to fly outdoors, why not try a flying trapeze workshop or intensive at one of our seasonal outdoor locations?

3. Flying Fruit Fly Circus, VIC. The Flying Fruit Fly Circus is Australia’s National Youth Circus, recognised as one of the world’s leading performing arts companies. We deliver Australia’s only full-time circus training program for students aged 8-19 in partnership with our own academic school, providing a holistic, nurturing creative education. In partnership with NICA, Swinburne University and Wodonga Secondary Senior College, Year 10 students can enrol in our Certificate III in Circus Arts course over two years. We tour the world with our contemporary circus performances.

4. Avion Aerial School, Western Sydney NSW. Under the guidance of professional aerialist Melise’ Avion’ & her team of aerial instructors, we love to share our passion of aerial circus by offering the highest quality of aerial classes and professional training! We have the largest specialised aerial studio in Australia, offering a large range of aerial apparatus’ including, silks, lyra, trapeze & sling/hammock. We also offer a variety of specialty circus skills classes such as Acrobatics, Contortion, Hula Hoops & Hand Balancing. From juniors to adults, our classes cater for all levels of fitness and abilities from complete beginners to the professional aerialist.

5. Flipside Circus, Brisbane QLD. For 20 years Flipside has grown and developed all the while maintaining our strong commitment to delivering child-centred circus opportunities to young people regardless of their background or circumstances. We believe circus provides a unique opportunity for young people to show off, take risks, trust, dream and aspire, work hard, and have fun. Flipside values children and young people as cultural creators and work with a regular team of extraordinary circus trainers and artists.

6. CIRCA, Brisbane QLD. If you are 3 or 73, an experienced acrobat or a beginner, we invite you to experience the very best in circus training. Our structured courses are a chance to get fit, learn circus skills, make new friends and stand on them. All in a safe, approved environment. The 2021 Autumn adults program of Circus Classes begins on 1 March, returning with our full suite of classes.

7. Warehouse Circus, ACT. Warehouse Circus has been providing social circus classes in Canberra since 1990. We have a host of programs including core circus programs for beginner, intermediate and advanced performers, adult classes, school holiday programs, and workshops and performances for community festivals and other events.

8. Spaghetti Circus, Mullumbimby NSW. General circus classes are available for all ages starting at two years old through to adults. These classes offer foundation skills in tumbling, aerials, acrobatics, juggling, mini tramp and handstands plus more. Of course, by doing circus you will also get stronger, more flexible, improve co-ordination and confidence, make friends and have fun. We have specialty circus classes as well as the regular general class favourites. Specialty classes offer more concentrated sessions on the things you love best, so you can really take your skills further. Choose from either teeterboard or aerials.

9. CircusOz, Collingwood VIC. Australia’s iconic circus company presents circus for audiences all over the world and supports the development the circus arts in Australia.

10. Gravity and Other Myths, Adelaide SA. With connection and engagement at its core, GOM’s work transcends cultural and socioeconomic barriers and provides fertile ground to    create accessible learning resources that encourage students to take calculated risks, build awareness, challenge their preconceptions and become inspired and engaged with their education.

11. Vulcana, Morningside QLD. Vulcana delivers a range of workshops throughout the year, from beginner through to advanced levels in aerials, hula hoops, juggling, partner/group acrobatics (balancing on each other), handstands, flexibility, fitness, performance classes and more. Classes are available for adults who identify as women, trans, and non-binary genders, and Kids and Teens of all genders. We encourage you to attend our classes no matter what your fitness level. Students are very varied in age and fitness level, starting at age 5, with many adults in their 20’s and 30’s and we have some students in their 50’s and beyond! Our classes provide a great alternative to traditional exercise in that you can work at your own level and you will have so much fun you don’t notice you are exercising!

12. Women’s Circus, VIC. Women’s Circus is a not for profit arts organisation offering a year round circus and performance training program and producing socially engaged arts  projects.

13. Cirkidz, Bowden SA. For more than 30 years, SA Circus Centre has been a creative haven and outlet for thousands of children and adults. In the last year we have performed in front of more than 500,000 locals and visitors through the State’s major festivals and cultural events, and welcomed 90,000+ participants and visitors to our Bowden headquarters. We are always evolving; creating new partnerships to develop programs that respond to a need in the community or help solve a problem.

14. Spin Circus, Adelaide SA. Spin Circus creates inclusive events, workshops & retreats that allow its participants to share, collaborate and grow their love for circus, fire performance and acrobatics. Usually held only in conjunction with the Adelaide Fringe Festival.

15. CircusWA, Fremantle WA. Established by a  group of successful street performers CircusWA has grown into a training and performance organisation which promotes excellence  and innovation in circus arts, with community at its core. Over the years we have helped thousands of young people develop into confident, healthy individuals, and build life-long friendships. Many past students have gone on to pursue exciting careers as professional circus artists, often coming back home to teach masterclasses and assist our performance troupes. We provide term classes, holiday programs, social circus programs, outreach workshops, three performance troupe programs, scholarships and bursaries, circus parties, support for professional circus artists, subsidised outreach opportunities, corporate workshops, masterclasses and performance opportunities to people aged from 2 to 82.

16. The Circus Crew, VIC. For over a decade, The Circus Crew has been injecting a touch of magic into the curriculum with our very special circus program for schools. From early years through to secondary levels, we offer a rich seam of skills and experiences that all pupils can draw from. Activities include juggling, floor displays, balance routines, drama incursions –  and much more. On top of the sheer joy of joining in, participation boosts confidence and concentration levels, builds invaluable teamwork skills, improves co-ordination and uncovers hidden talents.

17. Canning Vale College, WA. A unique Approved Specialist Circus Program. This is a school based extension program designed for students with an interest and talent in circus skills and performing on stage. This program introduces students to broad range of skills from learning a range of circus equipment through to developing and performing routines and whole stage shows. Students in this program have the opportunity to work with their peers to develop their skills plus a range of external tutors from WA, across Australia and International. The program then expands in Years 11 And 12 with a Certificate II in Creative Industries. This course offers a comprehensive overview of all aspects of the live productions and gives participants experience in writing and scripting, stage management, lighting, production development and directing.

18. The Circus Spot, Pascoe Vale VIC . The Circus Spot provides a safe, fun way for students to challenge their ideas about what they are capable of achieving. Our programs are devised to bring out the best from your students and are run by highly experienced coaches who uphold the utmost standard in circus coaching. Learning circus skills is exciting and challenging for both high school and primary school ages.

19. Theatre Kimberley’s Dragon Fly Circus, The Kimberley Region WA. Since 2009, Theatre Kimberley has been delivering high quality theatre, circus and dance experiences to young people in remote locations, including towns and Aboriginal communities, across the Kimberley. Young people can learn creative skills from highly-skilled, qualified artists; develop a sense of place and wellbeing; and perform to wider audiences through touring.

20. Circus In Education, Sunshine Coast. Brisbane. Gold Coast. Northern NSW. Newcastle. Central Coast. Sydney. Wollongong. We provide incursions for schools, reschools, vacation care centres, camps and more. Our incursions include a mixture of live circus shows and workshops. Not only are our circus incursions entertaining, they are also a rich and real learning experience. Circus in Education uses circus to encourage fitness through fun, to teach through demonstration, and to encourage participants to try and achieve new skills. Because of this, we see circus incursions as a fantastic way to compliment the great work already being done by teachers throughout Australia.

21. Circus Stars, QLD. Founded in 2013 by Dr Kristy Seymour, Circus Stars was the very first circus school in the world to be dedicated to children on the autism spectrum. Circus Stars classes are inclusive, creative, risky and challenging all in a fun and supportive gentle environment and in 2017 Circus Stars was awarded an Autism Queensland Creative Futures Recognition award.

22. Aerial Angels, Gold Coast QLD. 2008 was the birth of Queensland’s first performing arts Circus Academy focused exclusively on aerial artistry and acrobatics, “The Aerial Angels Academy”, renowned as a provider of training excellence in Circus arts and building many cirque and aerial stars of the future. The Aerial Angels Academy aims to provide fun and fitness for all as well as a direct path to a career as a professional performer. Classes are taught by teachers and coaches who have all performed in some of the most incredible and famous shows and venues in the world including Cirque du Soleil, Moulin Rouge, Disney, Las Vegas, Universal Studios, Outback Spectacular, Jupiters Casino, Sydney Opera House and many more. This experience equips them with real industry knowledge and the latest techniques.

23. Circus WOW, Wollongong NSW. Wollongong women’s circus. Our motto is ‘Ordinary Women Doing Extraordinary Things’. Our classes are open to women of all fitness levels, abilities, shapes and ages. We offer a variety of classes in aerials, hoops, acrobatics. Circus workshops as well as performance opportunities are also part of our program. Periodically, WOW offers public and outreach workshops. WOW can assist with your projects if you need trainers or performers. There’s a class for women (18+) of all ages and fitness. It is an alternative way to fitness and strength building. No experience required. All you need is a sense of play and adventure! 

24. Circus Arts Byron Bay & Sydney. Offering a range of Circus Arts classes for adults and kids and indoor flying trapeze as well as school holiday programs Circus Arts believes that Circus is a unique blend of art and sport. Played out in a supportive and non-competitive environment, it makes a perfect physical activity for people of all levels of confidence and abilities. There’s a timetable full of activities during QLD and NSW school holidays with full day and 1/2 day programs, Ninja/Parkour classes for kids and more. Suitable for beginners through to professional performers with specialised courses and circus shows running throughout the year.

25. Circus Training Australia  This one is for the teachers. Circus Training Australia runs courses that are invaluable for people serious about teaching circus skills – both experienced circus coaches and those just starting out. During each course you will learn about appropriate progressions and teaching points, and will practice teaching techniques, giving you the confidence to know you are teaching to the best of your ability.

26. MDance, Wynnum QLD. We have Dance Cirque classes for children 6yrs and over and Little Monkeys Circus classes for ages 3-5yrs. The program has been developed by a 7^th generation circus performer and a dance studio owner in Sydney, and we are so excited to be able to offer it at our studio. This program involves juggling, tumbling/tricks (e.g. handstands, cartwheels, flips etc), balance beam, hoops, and of course, Silks and the Lyra Hoop. There are different levels of skills taught at different ages and certificates awarded as the students go through the levels.

27. Slipstream Circus, Ulverstone TAS. Slipstream Circus was founded in 1997 and incorporated in Ulverstone in 2000. For over 20 years, Slipstream has proudly provided high-quality circus training and performances on the North-West coast of Tasmania. With over 200 current students, many Slipstream alumni have found successful circus careers or gone on to study at professional training institutions. Slipstream Circus is a non-profit Youth Circus. Slipstream conducts classes in circus skills for all ages and skill levels. We aim to foster personal development as well as cooperation and community involvement. What do we do? Circus Classes, including a chance to perform in an all-members show for the public; Workshops and Performances for events and festivals, and School Programs & Social Circus.

28. Circus Ipswich, Ipswich QLD. Circus Ipswich was founded in 2017 with a mission to bring the joy of the circus arts as a legitimate art form to our city. As a youth circus focussed on developing circus skills in kids and teens aged 6 and older, we run classes and projects that use the power of circus to empower our community. Learn core circus skills with Circus Foundations they also have Umbrella Circus – a program specially developed to meet the needs of kids on the Autism Spectrum. They have also just started a performance troupe so watch this space.

29. Swoop Physical Theatre, Wyoming NSW. Swoop Physical Theatre was founded in 2004 and has since gone on to teach physical theatre skills to hundreds of kids and adults across Australia. Previously the resident theatre company at Glen Street Theatre in Belrose, Swoop aims to continue classes both on Sydney’s Norther Beaches and within schools across the country. Swoop Physical Theatre is about creation and expression through the body.

30. Warehouse Circus, ACT. With almost thirty years’ experience teaching and performing across the Canberra region and beyond, Warehouse Circus is one of Australia’s finest youth circus organisations. We help young people find a means through which to experiment, grow and express themselves creatively and physically. Come and learn juggling, acrobatics, stilt walking, hula hoop, plate spinning, staff, poi, trick sticks, diabolo, trapeze (static and flying), lyra, tissu, German wheel, unicycle, mini tramp, adagio and stacks more!

Spin Circus Festival, VIC. Spinfest now in it’s 11th year brings you the very best in workshops, shows and training in circus and manipulation disciplines. Featuring 3 full days of workshops, shows, music, skills, food and community. Best of all, everyone is welcome! Whether you are a newbie, intermediate-advanced, practising professional, old school, or just a circus groupie, this is where you belong! Open to all ages and experience levels. Dates: April 8th (arrival day) | 9th – 11th April (workshops) | 12th April (departure day)

APAC On Tour – 2021. Due to COVID-19 restrictions and the uncertainty of state boarder closures, the APAC [Partner Acrobatics] team will be hosting a large convention in Victoria, as well as travelling around Australia to host smaller conventions. There will be an APAC in Victoria, Canberra, Sydney & Brisbane. Dates: APAC Victoria 2nd – 7th April | APAC Canberra 17th – 18th April | APAC Sydney 23rd – 25th April | APAC Brisbane 29th April – 2nd May |

Mullum Circus Fest, Mullumbimby NSW. Mullum Circus Festival showcases the incredible talents of Australian Circus artists, profiling established shows and companies as well as supporting emerging artists and works in development. join Australia’s circus community for a three-day celebration of circus arts and physical theatre, ranging from youth circus performances to award-winning internationally acclaimed acts.

The Australian Circus Festival, founded by Jasmine Straga (of Māori, Ashkenazi Jewish, German and English descent) will be announcing the 2021 winners on the 25th February. We would like to invite you all to the 5th Australian Circus Festival – International Online Edition for Jnr to Teen performers around the globe. Our young circus performers have endured one of their most difficult years. Many of our friends and colleagues worldwide are still in lockdown or at reduced capacity in their circuses and circus schools, with an inability to perform. We would like to celebrate these young artists for their incredible dedication to their training and commitment to the circus during these difficult times.

References:

1. Richard McGrath, Kristen Stevens. Forecasting the Social return on Investment Associated with Children’s Participation in Circus-Arts Training on Their Mental Health and Well-Being. International Journal of the Sociology of Leisure, 2019; 2 1-2): 163 DOI: 10.1007/s41978-019-00036-0

Citations:

University of South Australia. “The art of the circus: Cartwheeling kids to better mental health.” Science daily. ScienceDaily, 9 may 2019. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/05/19059101843.htm>.

The Conversation. “Circus training instead of school sports? Now there’s an idea.” Gillian Arrighi. The Conversation. The Conversation, 17 oct 2014. <https://theconversation.com/circus-training-instead-of-school-sports-now-theres-an-idea-31979>.