Circus Cabaret – Melbourne Circus Festival

The National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA) is celebrating its 10 year anniversary as the leading professional training institution for circus artists by hosting the first ever Melbourne Circus Festival. 

Presented by:  National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA)Venue:  NICA National Circus Centre Tuesday 27 September, 2011

The National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA) is celebrating its 10 year anniversary as the leading professional training institution for circus artists by hosting the first ever Melbourne Circus Festival. Headlining this week long festival is the variety style show Circus Cabaret and tonight it was a smorgasbord of compelling treats for adults and children alike.
Hosted by the hilarious and talented ‘Daphne’ (aka Eloise Green – Hoola Queen) this showcase highlighted the exceptional talents of some of Australia’s finest circus performers.
With tightwire (Emma Avery), hoop diving (Tom and Zach), trapeze (Tegan Carmichael) and unicycling (Kyle Raftery) there was definitely something for everyone. Marawa Ibrahim (pictured) tickled and delighted the audience with her skipping rope routine and is set to star in her own show Exotica.
While some acts were more compelling than others, notable highlights included Rockie Stone in an incredible and comical chair balancing act but children be warned: don’t try this trick at home! Christopher Zaluski and Amy Nightingale-Olsen delighted the audience with their comical routine of Icarian Games with a cameo performance by Kermit the frog.  
Special international guest Patrik Elmnert was mesmerising with his juggling skills. This crowd favourite performed a carefully choreographed, spell-binding routine which had a modern, almost hip-hop feel to it.
My favourite performance of the evening was Daniel Power’s aerial silk (tissu) routine. This beautifully choreographed, graceful, yet haunting piece was simply breathtaking. The soundtrack fused with his incredible strength, agility and beauty and is one of the most moving theatrical performances I have ever witnessed.
This feast of talent, comedy and incredible skill was enhanced by superb soundtracks and lighting.  Each night Circus Cabaret will showcase an eclectic line up of world-class acts.  Suitable for all ages, it is not to be missed.
The Melbourne Circus Festival runs from 26 September to 2 October 2011. NICA National Circus Centre41 Green Street, PrahranFor all festival information and tickets visit www.nica.com.au