Women's Circus

Women's Circus is a not-for-profit community focused circus that celebrates the physical and imaginative potential of the human body and nurtures self–awareness and self–esteem.

We are based in Melbourne’s vibrant West at the Drill Hall in West Footscray, and deliver high quality circus programs and creative opportunities that support the personal and professional development of hundreds of people belonging to marginalised genders annually.

OUR CLASSES

⭐ Youth Classes

Our youth social circus program caters to ages 2yrs-17yrs, with classes for little ones, kids and teens. Held at our fully equipped training centre, these classes are perfect for developing your child’s physical and social confidence in a supportive space.

○ Tiny Tots (2-5 years)

○ Trainee Tumblers (6-8 years)

○ Middle Kids (9-12 years)

○ Teen Allsorts (13-17 years)

○ Teen Aerials (13-17 years)

All Access: Free Play (6-15 years) Drop In Class

These classes are designed to support neurodivergent kids, disabled young people or those that would benefit from a bit less structure and a bit more space to engage at their own pace.

Supervised rather than led by our expert trainers with active support from parents/carers/guardians, this inclusive and accessible program is based on self exploration and will bring out creativity and confidence in all participants. Participants will have a chance to explore circus and build social skills in an informal, low pressure setting.

ABOUT US

Women’s Circus is unique. We are a not for profit intersectional feminist arts organisation based in the Drill Hall in Footscray, offering a year round program of social circus, creative projects and thought provoking performances. We create impact that is memorable and enduring, whether from a momentary encounter as an audience member or a lifetime of commitment through membership.

Our Story

Women’s Circus began as a project at Footscray Community Arts Centre, and became know for creating original circus shows advocating justice and equity for women and their communities. From our early days of providing a safe space for survivors of violence, we’ve grown into an inclusive community that welcomes all people of marginalised genders with an interest in physicality, circus and performance.

Today, Women’s Circus is an internationally recognised leader in the field of social circus. Our innovative programs offer individuals and communities the opportunity to develop skills, confidence and creativity while fostering a sense of belonging and connection. We have a small team of core staff, working alongside dedicated and experienced trainers, and supported by a volunteer board.

What is Social Circus?

Women’s Circus uses circus as a tool for social transformation (termed social circus). Circus has unique advantages when it comes to fostering positive change within communities. Embodied knowledge, trust, risk, playfulness and creativity are intrinsic to social circus. It has the potential to transform boundaries and hierarchies, transcend language barriers, and strengthen communities against erasure and exclusion.

At Women’s Circus our emphasis is on the potential of the human body. It’s not just about achieving high goals, it’s also about the attempt and support. It’s about building self-confidence and reclaiming your body. It’s about bringing people together, accessing creativity and physicality within a safe space.

Our Purpose

Women’s Circus works to empower people of marginalised genders to shape community and culture through circus.

Our Values

⭐ We CARE for community and for ourselves.

⭐ We take PRIDE in who we are, the work we do and the impact we have.

⭐ We actively pursue JUSTICE & EQUITY, and this is embedded in everything we do.

Our organisation is underpinned by intersectional feminist principles including personal agency, active listening, and compassion.