BORDER Fruit Bats have crossed Bass Strait.
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Albury-Wodonga’s Fruit Bats Circus will perform at the inaugural Mature Moves Festival in Hobart on Saturday and Sunday.
The group, who range in age from mid-fifties to early seventies, has rehearsed with Flying Fruit Fly Circus trainer, Ruby Rowat, to put together an act using juggling, balance and aerial skills.
From Friday until Sunday, Mature Moves is a global three-day event celebrating mature dance and challenging the conventions of ageing through dance.
Ms Rowat said the Fruit Bats Circus’ performance was the culmination of weeks of hard work.
“I love seeing the Fruit Bats perform,” Ms Rowat said.
The Fruit Bats are auspiced by the Flying Fruit Fly Circus, which provides trainers, equipment and space.
Fruit Bats member Vicki Knight said people did not need any special skills to join.
“We’re just ordinary people who want to stay fit while having fun,” she said.
A member for eight years, Ms Knight said she joined because she was new to town and wanted to meet people.
“Keeping active and learning new skills as well was a huge bonus,” Ms Knight said.
“I found new friends and a fun way to keep my body and mind active.”
Fruit Bats Circus began 12 years ago with funding from Upper Hume Community Health Service as part of a falls prevention program designed to limit injuries in the ageing population.
The circus activities have helped members lose weight, overcome chronic pain and gain flexibility and strength.
Member Laurie Frost was among the original members.
“Before Fruit Bats I had a bad back and suffered after any physical activity,” Mr Frost said.
“Now I can do all sorts of physical activities and sports without the subsequent back pain, due to better core strength and longer hamstrings.”
Fruit Bats meet from 9.30am until 11.30am on Monday and Thursday at the Flying Fruit Fly Circus, 605 Hovell Street, South Albury.
The first hour comprises stretching, strength and flexibility exercises while the second hour focuses on hula-hoops, juggling, balance, skipping, comedy skits and human pyramids.
New members are welcome, no circus or gymnastics experience is required.
They can sign up for four weeks at half price during September, October and November.