VOU carries Fiji’s creativity to four Australian cities

Fiji’s only professional circus is taking its gravity-defying acrobatics, indigenous storytelling and infectious humour to Australia in a major international tour showcasing the country’s creative talent across four cities.

VOU, Fiji’s most internationally toured contemporary dance company, will present its acclaimed Fijian Flying Circus in Darwin, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney from August 2026 to January 2027.

The tour follows a milestone period for the Suva-based company, which represented Fiji at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2025 and again in April 2026.

Earlier this year, VOU also became the first Fijian company to headline a major New Zealand arts festival when it topped the bill at the Hamilton Arts Festival.

Presented by Fiji Airways and supported by Neptune Pacific, the Australian tour combines aerial work, acrobatics, dance and drama with Fijian myths, legends and humour.

The Fijian Flying Circus was launched in 2024 after VOU dancers crossed paths with touring circus trainers who stayed in Fiji to train alongside them. What began as an experiment evolved into the country’s first and only professional circus.

For VOU director Sachiko Soro, the production is about more than entertainment.

“Our dream is to build a world where young Fijians have access to quality creative education, allowing them to use their gifts to carve out real, sustainable careers,” Ms Soro said.

Ticket proceeds support the Conservatorium of Dance, which provides 20 young Fijians each year with fully funded two-year performing arts diplomas, accommodation and living allowances.

Graduates are guaranteed full-time employment with VOU.

The company now employs more than 80 Fijians in the creative arts, with women making up the majority of its leadership.

The circus opens in Darwin from August 20 to 22, followed by Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney, carrying Fiji’s culture, creativity and “contagious happiness” to the world stage.