Leaping for the trapeze, juggling plates or just clowning around, these young people have dedicated their lives to the circus. They train every day, learn foreign languages and pass gruelling examinations. The school also admits European students, welcoming private money to subsidise state funding. Alexander Larin is passionate about the circus and has been teaching since 1969 despite his wife's disapproval. At graduation 3 senior students perform for an auditorium of examiners and talent scouts. In spangled costumes and heavy make up, the winners and the losers animate this colourful feature.

Produced by ABC Australia