Lily Akers

Hi, 

My name is Lily and I am a Melbourne based circus artist. 

I grew up in a small country town with a local gymnastics club and dance studio. I fell in love immediately with my ability to express myself physically in both of these forms. 

When we would come into the city (Melbourne)  my favourite thing to do was see stage shows. I would be absolutely entranced by the performers and would always find myself falling into the world that they were creating. When I saw my first circus show (Circus Oz) I knew immediately that I wanted to run away and join the circus. Cirque Eloize came to Melbourne to perform Cirkopolis at the Melbourne Arts centre. My love for contemporary circus grew and this is where I realised that I could combine my contemporary dance knowledge with my gymnastic, acrobatic abilities. 

When I turned 12 I started training at the National Institute of Circus Arts and was identified to go into the accelerated program. This program was developed for children that showed potential to go into their Bachelor program. 

In my final year of high school I auditioned for a certificate 4 at NICA which was successful. This led me to a 12 month, full time course at NICA where I specialised in tissu' (silks) and group acrobatics. Through this year I knew that I wanted to continue my training at NICA so I auditioned again, but this time for their 3 year Bachelors Degree. Again, I was successful.

During the Bachelor program I continued specialising in group acrobatics, I transitioned my silks to double rope and began Roue Cyr. The pandemic was devestating to our year group and led to us adding an additional year to our training and delayed our graduation. I am very proud of my ability to persevere and continue creating art during a very stressful time. 

While studying at NICA I worked as a gymnastics coach and have continued this work since my Graduation. Currently I am the head coach at Leongatha Gymnastics Club. I have thoroughly enjoyed this work as I get to continue doing what I love, even when I am not performing and I get to inspire a new generation of acrobats. 

As a performer I have worked with many different styles however have found a love for contemporary circus. I love combining dance and circus and telling a story through movement.