For those who've dreamt of running away with the circus, the day has arrived.
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For the first time, the Melbourne-based National Institute of Circus Arts is hosting a one-day workshop for talented Canberrans to brush up on their circus skills.
![Jen Ehsman is helping to train the next generation of circus performers. Photo: Rohan Thomson Jen Ehsman is helping to train the next generation of circus performers. Photo: Rohan Thomson](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/e981ab9d-6ca7-4fc2-9b6b-825cc1414d92/r0_0_2000_1334_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
About nine Canberrans aged 15 and up were expected to learn some "thrills and spills" to improve their physical performance at Saturday's workshop at Warehouse Circus.
NICA trainer and graduate Jen Ehsman said the school holiday workshops, held in cities around the country, were designed to prepare would-be students ahead of auditions for its three-year university degree – Australia's only bachelor of circus arts.
![National Institute of Circus Arts trainer Jen Ehsman says there's more to circus skills than just clowning around. Photo: Rohan Thomson National Institute of Circus Arts trainer Jen Ehsman says there's more to circus skills than just clowning around. Photo: Rohan Thomson](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/3b500398-99a5-4d33-9403-b7a3e8b7cd58/r0_0_2000_1334_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Lessons will cover flexibility, handstands, tumbling, strength and conditioning, movement and performance.
And if think circus skills is all about clowning around, think again. Mrs Ehsman said the course also covered business studies, health and anatomy.
"These students have serious interest in pursuing circus as a career," she said.
"It's the sort of industry where you can audition for existing circuses or make your own … you can work on cruise ships or do busking, there's all sorts of things."