AS a young girl, Judy Wolff not only dreamt of running away to the circus but did so - with the boy next door - to sneak a peak at the touring spectacular.
More than four decades on, Mrs Wolff, of Tecoma, still loves circus acts and hanging off a trapeze with her friend, Jane Baxter of Upwey.
The pair are regulars at Saturday Yah Yah (Young at Heart) classes at the Kilsyth basketball centre, home of Ruccis, the only circus training centre in the outer east.
The circus training centre has more than 130 members practising their juggling, acrobatics, stilt-walking and hula-hoop skills.
Mrs Wolff's daughter Luth is a Ruccis administrator, student and coach.
"Luth loves the circus and got me involved as part of the 'old people's' training group," Mrs Wolff said.
For the past 12 months, Mrs Wolff has worked on her trapeze routine.
"Life can be hard but if you can swing on a trapeze in your 50s you're doing OK."
Luth's passion for the circus is evident: a student turned coach, she's proficient on the trapeze and in acrobatics.
"Mainly it's just fun and a great way to be fit, strong and learn new things without the competitiveness of other sports."
Ruccis had five members picked to attend the National Institute of Circus Art in Prahran.
Graduates from the "circus university" are regular performers in shows including Circus Oz and Cirque du Soleil.
Details: ruccis.com.au
Email a friend