The Fijian Flying Circus is set to launch in Rakiraki this weekend, with expectations for a strong turnout. This week-long event, organized by VOU Dance, aims to bring the circus experience to local communities.
The team was busy setting up in Rakiraki yesterday, preparing for the opening this Saturday. Each year, VOU conducts a talent search for youth across the country, providing local participants with accommodations and compensation during a two-year training program.
However, the process of selecting candidates can be difficult due to issues with discipline, as noted by VOU director Sachiko Soro. She mentioned that recruits come from various villages, settlements, and cities. “Of the 20 we recruit, 12 would be next level phenomenal,” Soro said.
VOU Dance employs a workforce that is 52 percent women, but traditional and cultural expectations can pose challenges. Soro explained that women often drop out of the program because families expect them to handle domestic responsibilities, especially when an elder in the household is unwell.