1990
How it all began…
Canberra Youth Circus was officially launched on 4th September 1990 at the Belconnen Community Centre. The circus then consisted of 25 young people aged 8 to 16 years.
The formation of the circus was instigated by Sonia Young an ex Flying Fruit Fly Circus performer from Albury. Sonia had the insight to apply for an Impact grant (administered by the Youth Affairs Unit – Chief Minister’s Department) that enabled her, with the assistance of the Belconnen Youth Centre, to establish a group of young people who all had an interest in learning the necessary skills to be involved in the circus.
In the initial days the circus drew support from the Belconnen Youth Centre, Community Arts, Belconnen Community Centre, Canberra Labor Club and local Belconnen High Schools. Within only a few years the circus was almost self sufficient, but at times requiring support and assistance from the staff of the Belconnen Youth Centre.
During training sessions the circus performers would learn skills which included juggling, tumbling, aerial work (Trapeze and Spanish Web), pyramids, unicycling, clowning, miming, contortion and diabolo.
From developing such skills, the young people were able to design, develop and implement shows that would later be performed at Floriade, shopping centres, schools, Community Arts Festival, ACT Tourism Awards, University Open Days, National Attraction Week, Tilba Festival plus many other shows around the Canberra region.
Circus Manager:
Sonia Young
Trainers:
Sonia Young, Charles Paskin
Number of participants per week:
25
Location:
Belconnen Community Centre Sports Hall
Core Programs:
Canberra Youth Circus was one group of 25 young people aged 8 to 18 years that trained twice per week.
Funding Bodies:
IMPACT Grants
Sponsors/supporters:
Belconnen Youth Centre, The Canberra Labor Club
