New Women’s Program

Each year in February, Women’s Circus has its annual intake of new members - called “New Women” - women of all ages, sizes, and levels of fitness who have “run away to join the circus”.

Participants in the New Women’s Program do a tailored program that introduces basic physical training and a range of circus arts. It ensures that new members feel welcome and safe, learn to work in a group, build trust with their own body and others, grow in physical confidence and strength, explore responsible risk-taking and understand the philosophy of a community circus.

Join the New Women’s Program

Since there is only one intake in February each year, women go onto a “waiting list” during the year. There are no prerequisites to take part in the program and for the last few years, all women on the “waiting list” have joined the training program.

To register for the 2009 New Women’s Program, send your name, address and phone number to info@womenscircus.org.au and you will be emailed an invitation to join the program in late 2008.

New Women’s Information Day

In January 2009, all women on the waiting list are invited to an New Women’s Information Day.

At the Information Day you can meet the trainers, have a look at our training space, and find out about what you’ll be doing in the New Women’s Program. The New Women’s Information Day is not compulsory but is highly recommended!

You can enrol in the New Women’s Program up until the week before classes start - the final deadline will be posted on the website closer to the date.

2008 New Women’s Program

In February the New Women’s Program began, on the week of February 11th 2008. This year because of high demand there are four different class times a week. The trainers this year are Jenny McLeod, Sal Frances, Sara Pheasant, Franca Stadler, Emily Ross, Staja Hobsbawn and Bianca Sciaretta. Click here to read about our trainers.

Class times, cost and location

New Women’s classes are two hours long, and participants come to one class a week. In 2008, New Women’s classes will run on a Monday night 7 - 9pm, Tuesday morning 10am - 12pm, Wednesday night 6.30 - 8.30pm and Saturday afternoon 2 - 4pm. Training takes place at Drill Hall, 395 Barkly St, West Footscray.

The cost for Term2, 2008 is $185 (full-time worker), $165 (part-time worker) or $145 (concession). The term runs for 11 weeks from April 7th - June 28th, and new members attend one class a week.

To do classes at Women’s Circus, you must also be a member, which covers you for insurance purposes and gives you voting rights at the AGM. The cost of a one-year membership when joining for the first time is $60 (full-time worker) or $50 (concession). Membership renewal for 2008 is $20 (full) or $15 (concession).

Payment Options

Labour Exchange: Women’s Circus classes aim to be accessible to all women, regardless of your economic situation. If you are on a low income, there are opportunities to participate in a Labour Exchange Program. If you are interested please download and fill out the following application form.

Cheque, cash or electronic banking transfer (no credit cards sorry) to:
Women’s Circus LTD
395 Barkly St, West Footscray VIC 3012 Ph: (03) 9687 3665
Fax: (03) 9687 6041 Email: info@womenscircus.org.au

Account Name: Women’s Circus LTD BSB: 063 132
Account Number: 10609153 BANK: Commonwealth Bank

Payment is due before or at your first class.

Structure of a Typical Class

1. Trust exercises and focus, name and warmup games (20 mins)
2. Warmup of stretching to develop flexibility and conditioning to develop strength (30 mins)
3. Circus skills (60 mins)
4. Feedback and Discussion (10 mins)

Circus Skills Taught

Aerials is where you get to experience a sense of flight and freedom. This skill is often something participants would never have imagined the opportunity of experiencing. Equipment may include trapeze, cloudswing, ropes, tissue, web and dance trapeze.
Acrobatics and Acrobalance covers handstands, tumbling, and acrobalances done in pairs and groups.
Juggling starts with participants first make their own juggling balls with balloons and bird seed. Starting with two balls, participants work up to three and sometimes four balls.
Hula Hoops can also be made by participants or brought in by the Women’s Circus. Participants can use one or five at a time, and they increase endurance, flexibility and aerobic capacity.
Stilts can range in height from a few inches to over a metre. Learning stilting encourages small group support, as the stilter works with spotters who assist and support them. It’s exhilarating, fun and offers a challenge that can be assessed and overcome.
Flags are a Women’s Circus specialty! Participants first make flags using broomsticks and fabric. Visually effective routines are then taught which are easy to learn, but stunning to watch, particularly when used with vibrant upbeat music. This is excellent for developing teamwork and positive outcomes.