When schools moved to online learning, the Flying Fruit Fly Circus was left with a daunting task: teaching kids movement through a screen.
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Training director Loic Marques was nervous about how to adapt physical elements of the full-time circus program, involving the Wodonga Middle Years College.
"Social distancing was kicking in, and we didn't know how to manage that; in circus, we climb on each other," he said.
"We had very low expectations for online learning, because we're used to working face-to-face.
"Our goal was to maintain the fitness level of our students, because we didn't want to step back in after an indefinite period of time with kids who hadn't trained.
"So we just managed a program to maintain their flexibility and strength."
Mr Marques' first go at online training went better than expected.
"They've actually come back almost fitter than when we left," he said.
"Apart from some difficulties with spatial awareness, it was pretty good."
The fruities are now back in the Hovell Street building - with new precautions and extra cleaning - but it remains closed to the public.
Chief executive Richard Hull said some recreational classes would resume in July.
"We'll manage those numbers really carefully and then it's just waiting to see how restrictions continue to ease," he said.
"That's had an impact for the community, who really enjoy those classes, and it's lost revenue for us.
"About now, we would have been in Vietnam at the Hue Festival, and that of course got put on hold.
"That's certainly been disappointing, but we've tried to postpone things rather than cancel them."
Mr Hull said it was difficult for students who were graduating this year and would have performed in Vietnam.
"They'll perform their graduate show at the Borderville Festival this year," he said.
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"At a time when so many artists don't have the prospect of any work, we wanted to reallocate what we could ... we have given $50,000 in cash and in-kind support.
"We are in a more privileged position than some, as we get government funding."
After celebrating their 40th anniversary in 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic has been difficult for the circus school, but Mr Hull is optimistic.
"It's great we've been able to return to training sooner than we expected - we thought we might be closed for six months," he said.
"It's certainly been one of the more challenging things I've had to do in my career.
"But we have a fantastic community here, and we've been able to navigate through it.
"It's great to have the kids, and the noise back."