Performer shares circus skills

Those with a desire to run away and join the circus can learn the skills they’ll need from Albany’s own circus performer and teacher, Cassandra Turner.

The 24-year-old is one of four artists in the State to be granted 2018 Next Level YCulture Regional grants run through Country Arts WA to kick-start her career and help locals learn the tricks of the trade.

Turner received $4500 through the grant and her funds bought her a Circus Training Australia course in Melbourne at the start of this month.

She said she has always had a passion for circus preforming through Southern Edge Arts and when she finished school, she studied at the National Institute of Circus Arts in Melbourne before returning to Albany.

“We are very lucky that there is a solid organisation that supports circus artists in Albany,” she said.

“If we were anywhere else in regional WA it wouldn’t be anywhere as easy.

“It is great that I am able to give back to Southern Edge after all the things that I have learnt.

“We are always looking for new circus artists to come learn, whether young or old and experienced or not.

“I feel really inspired after my latest training and particularly when our community is spread right across Australia.”

Her program at Southern Edge covers everything from aerials, trapeze ropes, and silks and ribbons hanging from the roof to juggling, tumbling, acrobatics, type wire walking and hula hooping.

Turner recommends the art as a source of fitness and encourages people to increase their strength through circus performing.

Those wishing to learn from Turner can do so through Southern Edge Arts. The Next Level YCulture Regional program, presented by Country Arts WA and Drug Aware, provides emerging artists and arts workers aged 18-26 with grants of up to $5000 to pursue opportunities.