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Advanced circus training for dedicated young performers. 

Night Flies Development (10-18yrs) 

The next Try Out for Night Flies will be held on 7 July at 5pm-6:30pm at Circus Centre Melbourne, book in HERE.

Night Flies Development offers focused, advanced-level circus training for young people ready to refine their skills and explore the pathway into the Flying Fruit Fly Circus main program or a career in circus. Held twice a week, classes develop both individual and ensemble technique across a broad range of circus disciplines including strength and conditioning, skill refinement, and creative exploration.

This program is ideal for young people with a background in circus, dance, gymnastics or similar physical disciplines who are committed to progressing their skills in a focused, supportive environment.

But this program is about more than what you can already do. The students who thrive here are the ones who show up hungry to learn. What we look for most is attitude: a genuine drive to grow, the resilience to work through challenges, and a real enthusiasm for circus as an art form. You don’t need to arrive with the highest skill level in the room – you need to be committed and energised to train.

Tuesday 5:00pm — 7:00pm

Saturday 3:15pm — 5:15pm 

2 hour sessions | Ages 10-18yrs

Held twice a week at Circus Centre Melbourne during Victorian school terms.

$124 per fortnight

Train harder. Reach further. Take the next step in your circus journey. 

Coming Up

Night Flies Try Out

Tuesday 7 July:
5:00pm-6:30pm

We’re hosting a trial for our Night Flies stream, for ages 10-18yrs. This class is by invitation only, so this trial is an opportunity to see if this class is the right fit for your child. Night Flies is our specialist training program for young people who are serious about their circus journey. Designed for students who want more than fitness and fun, this program offers focused, advanced-level training for those ready to refine their skills and explore the pathway into the Flying Fruit Fly Circus main program. There is no need to prepare any acts, this try out will run like a class and we’ll cover different disciplines (aerials, tumbling, acro, manipulation) where participants can show their skills and interests. Trainers will be watching and taking notes during the 1.5hrs. There will be an opportunity for participants to show something extra if they like, if it hasn’t been covered.

Training and performance

While Night Flies Development is not a performance troupe, performance is woven into the program. Students learn the skills that underpin great circus performance — presence, timing, storytelling through movement, and the ability to hold an audience. Throughout the year there are genuine opportunities to perform, giving students the experience of taking their training in front of a crowd in a supported, low-pressure environment.

These performance opportunities are a vital part of the learning process. There’s no better way to understand what you’re working towards.

Guest trainers

One of the real advantages of Night Flies Development is access to guest trainers from across the professional circus world. Throughout the year we invite high-level practitioners to work directly with the group, bringing expertise, fresh perspectives, and specialist skills that extend well beyond what any single program can offer. Students get the chance to train with working professionals and experience the depth and diversity of contemporary circus.

Entry and enrolment

Entry to Night Flies Development is by invitation or successful trial only. If you think this program might be right for you, get in touch to arrange a trial – we’d love to see you in the room.

This class is ongoing throughout the year and is paid via fortnightly direct debit. Please see our terms and conditions for full details.

Youth Circus Class - student on straps at Circus Centre Melbourne

Important Information

Enrolment, Payments & Credits

Full Terms & Conditions

Download and read our full terms and conditions

Enrolment & Payments

  • Once your enrolment is confirmed and payment is made, classes are non-refundable and non-transferable, except where required under Australian Consumer Law or as otherwise outlined in these Terms.
  • Where a class is cancelled by us, or where an eligible injury prevents continued participation, a credit will generally be offered as the default outcome. Refunds will only be provided where required by law or at our discretion.

Credits

  • Credits are not redeemable for cash.
  • Credits must be used within 12 months of issue.

Payment Methods

  • Our classes operate under different booking types, each with different payment structures
    • Course Bookings: Full payment is required upfront for a fixed period (eg a school term or block).
    • Casual Bookings: Single-session bookings paid upfront per class.
    • Perpetual Classes: Ongoing enrolments billed fortnightly in advance via direct debit.
  • Specific payment terms for each class are outlined in our booking platform and on our website.

Direct Debit & Credit Card Payments and Fees

  • All direct debit and card payments are processed via our Direct Debit Provider, Debitsuccess Pty Ltd. 
  • Payments may appear on your bank statement as Debitsuccess, not Flying Fruit Fly Foundation. 
  • A failed direct debit may incur an $8 late fee which will be automatically applied to your account. 
  • Processing fees are charged by Debitsuccess on top of program/class fees at a rate of 80c + GST per direct debit, 2.75% + GST for credit card transactions. Fees may change in line with provider charges and will be communicated where possible.
  • A $2.00 + GST new user fee is applied by Debitsuccess in addition to the first direct debit payment.
  • A failed direct debit may incur an $8 late fee which will be automatically applied to your account.
  • Please let us know in advance if you will have trouble making a payment, and our team will do what they can to help you avoid late payment fees.
  • Once a fee has been charged, it can’t be refunded.

Payment Plans

  • Payment plans are only available for Course Bookings, that are in terms or blocks and require upfront payment.
  • If you would like to create a payment plan, you can call the Flying Fruit Fly Circus or Circus Centre Melbourne office for assistance.
  • If a payment plan defaults the participant will be suspended from training until payments are up to date.

Teaching Staff

  • Flying Fruit Fly Circus reserves the right to substitute teachers at its discretion.
  • Any replacement teacher will be appropriately qualified and skilled for the class.

Cancellations, Absences & Injuries

Withdrawing from a Program

  • To withdraw yourself or a young person from a program, written notice must be provided to us:
  • Course Bookings: At least 14 days before the term start date.
  • Perpetual Classes: At least 14 days before the first scheduled direct debit for the upcoming term (this occurs prior to term commencing).
  • For Perpetual Classes, enrolments continue automatically from term to term unless notice is provided within the timeframe above.
  • If notice is not provided within this timeframe, the full term fee remains payable, including for participants paying via direct debit.
  • Refunds or credits cannot be issued once this notice period has passed, unless where required by law.

Missed Classes

  • Refunds or credits are not provided for missed classes due to injury, illness, holidays, or personal absences.
  • Due to the structured nature of our programs, make-up classes are not offered.

Injury During Class

  • Circus training is physically demanding and carries inherent risks.
  • Participants take part at their own risk.
  • If a participant sustains an injury during class and is unable to continue training, a credit may be offered upon receipt of a medical certificate from a GP or physiotherapist, submitted within a reasonable timeframe.
  • Credits will apply only to the unused portion of the program and must be used within 12 months of issue.

Safety, Conduct & Participation Rules

Punctuality

  • For safety reasons, participants arriving more than 15 minutes late will miss the warm-up and will not be permitted to join the class that day.

Injury, Illness & Personal Responsibility

  • Participants are responsible for managing their own health and wellbeing.
  • If injured, participants must inform teaching staff prior to class and modify or cease activity as required.
  • Participants must not attend classes if they, or a child in their care, are unwell. We reserve the right to refuse entry where illness is evident, in the interest of the health and safety of all attendees.

Supervision of Children

  • We encourage parents/guardians to stay and watch class, and viewing areas are available at each location.
  • Children under 12 years must be accompanied by an adult before class and must be collected promptly at the end of class.

Photography & Videos

  • We may take photographs or videos during classes for training, marketing or promotional purposes, subject to consent provided during the booking process. 
  • Photography and videography during classes are not permitted without prior approval from staff.  
  • Where approved, recording is limited to a parent or guardian filming their own child only. 
  • Images or footage of other participants must not be shared, published or distributed unless:  
    • Those participants are not identifiable, or  
    • The content has already been publicly shared by Flying Fruit Fly Circus or Circus Centre Melbourne.   
  • All official photos and videos remain the property of Flying Fruit Fly Foundation and are not subject to compensation.   
  • If you would like to review or change your consent to being photographed or filmed, please let a staff member know at the start of the class.  

Personal Belongings

  • You are responsible for your own belongings.
  • We are not liable for loss, theft, or damage to personal items.
  • Lockers are available at Circus Centre Melbourne.

Damage to Property

  • Participants or their guardians are responsible for the cost of repairing or replacing any damage caused to property belong to Flying Fruit Fly Foundation, staff, or other participants.

Privacy

  • We are committed to protecting your privacy and comply with the Australian Privacy Act.
  • Personal information collected through our booking system is used only for purposes related to class administration, safety, communication and billing.
  • If you have any questions about how your information is handled, please contact us directly.

FAQs

What should I wear and bring?

To ensure safety and comfort:

  • Hair: Long hair must be tied back.
  • Jewellery: Please remove all jewellery.
  • Clothing: Wear close-fitting, stretchy clothing (e.g., leggings, shorts, t-shirt). Avoid zips, buttons, and pockets. Circus t-shirts are available for purchase.
  • Footwear: Wear runners into the building. Training is barefoot or in sticky socks.
  • Water: Bring a clearly labelled, non-glass drink bottle.

How do I enrol and pay?

All bookings are made through our Xplor Booking Portal.

Here you can:

  • View the timetable
  • Manage your account
  • Enrol in classes
  • Make payments

Can I pay as I go?

Payment methods vary depending on the class.

  • Tots and Adult classes require full payment upfront for the block or term.
  • Circus Arts and Night Flies Development classes operate on ongoing enrolments with a fortnightly direct debit processed in advance.
  • Some classes are available as single casual sessions.

Specific payment terms for each class are outlined in our booking platform.

Ongoing Classes – Night Flies Development & Circus Arts

Night Flies Development and Circus Arts are ongoing classes paid via fortnightly direct debit.

  • You only pay for classes during term time; no payments are taken during school holidays.
  • Enrolments roll over from term to term.
  • Written notice must be provided at least 14 days before the direct debit payment for the first class of a term to avoid being charged.

How can my young person get invited to a Night Flies Development class?

  • Night Flies Development is an advanced circus training program for dedicated young performers.
  • If your child is currently attending Saturday CARTS classes and is interested, please speak with us.
  • Try-out or trial sessions may be offered and advertised on our website.

Do you offer any discounts?

  • Yes! A 15% family discount is automatically applied to the third and subsequent enrolments in the same term.

Where is Circus Centre Melbourne and how do I find my class?

  • Please refer to our Contact Us page for directions, parking information, and entry instructions.

Do I need to bring my kids in, or can I drop them off?

  • Children under 12 years must be accompanied by an adult before class and must not be left unattended in the building at any time.

Can friends and family watch?

For safety reasons, spectators are not allowed inside the training space once class begins.

Viewing areas are available in:

  • The waiting room
  • The upstairs kitchen

What happens if I miss a class?

  • Make-up classes are not available.
  • It is the participant’s responsibility to attend for all enrolled sessions.

Can I enrol after the term has started?

  • Yes! If places are available, you can still join mid-term. The Xplor Portal will automatically adjust your fees to reflect remaining weeks.

Can I try a class before booking a term?

  • Absolutely! Trial classes are available where there is space and enough term time remaining.
  • Trials must be booked and paid for through the Office Team, contact us and we’ll assist you.
  • If a participant proceeds with enrolment following a trial, a pro-rata term fee will apply for the remainder of the term.

How to use your Xplor account

The Customer Portal is accessible via your mobile device, computer or tablet.

Via the Customer Portal, you can:

  • Manage your personal and family account including personal details
  • View and update your financial information including changing direct debit details and paying outstanding invoices
  • Purchase classes and register for circus programs

Create an account and add a family member

  1. Go to the Xplor membership login page.
  2. Select sign up and enter your details.
  3. In My Info, select Add family member.
  4. Fill in your family member's details including their names and date of birth.
  5. Check your emails for your login information and password to use next time. If you can't find the email, don't forget to check your spam folder.

Booking a circus class

  1. Log in to your Xplor account.
  2. In the top main menu, select MELB Circus Classes, then select the appropriate age bracket.
  3. Choose the class and dates you are interested in (you can use the filters on the left hand side to help you find the right one!)
  4. On your chosen class, select Enrol Now.
  5. Verify the details, then select Enrol Now again.
  6. Select the family member enrolling, then select Next.
  7. Follow the prompts to make your payment.

View your schedule of classes

  1. Log in to your Xplor account.
  2. In My Info, select the profile of the person taking lessons.
  3. Scroll down to Schedules, then select it to expand the calendar. To view the schedule for multiple family members, select the tick boxes next to each person's name on the calendar.

Sign an indemnity waiver  and update your contact info

  1. In the top main menu, select My Info.
  2. In My Info, select the profile of the person taking lessons.
  3. In the top main menu, select Waiver.
  4. Read and the sign down the bottom.
  5. You are able to add notes - including if you do not want to consent your/your childs photo being taken/shared.

In this section you can also add or edit details on your account such as medical or access support info, or emergency contact. You do this by selecting the edit button.

To make a payment directly online (for an over due invoice or payment plan): 

  1.  Log in to your Xplor account.
  2. In My Info, select your profile.
  3. Select Invoices
  4. Select the Balance Due.
  5. Then select the check boxes for the unpaid invoices (including late fees)
  6. Then Make Payment
  7. Follow the prompts to make the payment.

To change your payment details (Credit Card or Bank Account):

  1. Log in to your Xplor account.
  2. In My Info, select your profile.
  3. Then scroll down to Finance Info and select to edit and/or add new.

More information
If you have any further questions about membership or how to use the Xplor portal, contact our team on (03) 8456 7199.

Night Flies Development Enquiries

Need Help?

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