Meet some of the Masters at NICA
The Future, Built on the Past.
The experience and expertise of our trainers is key to our students' artistic development.
In circus arts, every skill taught, every story shared, and every act created is part of a larger legacy - one that began centuries ago and continues to expand at NICA through the work of dedicated trainers and passionate students.
One generation’s mastery becomes the foundation of the next’s potential.
We are grateful to have expert trainers across a range of disciplines and experiences, many our own graduates returning to share what they’ve learned in their performing careers.
Learn more about masters who reside at NICA....
MEET FLEE... One of the ORIGINAL NICA students from our 1999 Docklands project, now Australian Circus legend
Flee brings an exceptional depth of experience and global perspective to the high-level circus education on offer at NICA.
Beginning her career in gymnastics, Felicia “Flee” O’Brien reached national level and worked as an elite coach before transitioning into circus arts. Flee was part of the initial pilot programs in Docklands, Melbourne which kickstarted the NICA we know today. Her broad training across disciplines, and extensive training in Australia and overseas has shaped a practice grounded in artistry and refined technique.
Flee went on to perform professionally for 17 years with some of the world’s most respected circus and performance companies, including Circus Oz and La Clique. This performance career laid the foundation for a remarkable coaching journey spanning more than four decades and across leading institutions in Australia, Europe, Asia, and North America.
At NICA, Flee’s contribution is defined by her ability to translate elite performance experience into thoughtful, effective training. Her students benefit from a coaching approach informed by technical expertise and deep care for artistic development. Through her presence, NICA’s emerging artists gain not only advanced skills, but also an understanding of what it means to build a sustainable international career in circus.
MEET CHARLIE ... One of our long-standing trainers, with a wealth of international experience
Charlie Cheng brings decades of lived circus knowledge to NICA, offering students a direct connection to traditional Chinese acrobatic excellence.
Beginning formal training at just 11 years old at the Anhui Acrobatic School in China, Charlie went on to tour internationally from 1974 with the Anhui Acrobatic Troupe, performing at the highest level for more than 26 years. With experience across an extraordinary range of disciplines, including juggling, group acrobatics, springboard, unicycle, Chinese pole, lion dancing, Charlie embodies a breadth of skill and performance insight that few can match.
After returning to China in 2000 to focus on teaching, Charlie refined the craft of the next generation of Chinese acrobats at both the Anhui Acrobat School and the prestigious Shanghai Acrobat School. This wealth of international experience is alive in Charlie’s teaching. His traditional technique is paired with constant encouragement and big smiles, enriching our program through a historically and globally informed lens.
MEET AMANDA - Our newest specialty trainer with a spectacular international career, and our very own alumni
Photo credits: John Fisher (Left) and CirckUFF (right)
Amanda Lee brings a rare blend of elite performance experience, thoughtful leadership, and human-centered coaching to the circus training she leads here at NICA.
An award-winning acrobat and director, Amanda graduated from NICA in 2017 with a Bachelor of Circus Arts, and has since built a distinguished career spanning performance, company leadership, and international coaching. With foundations in artistic gymnastics and contemporary dance, she has performed with leading international companies including Circa Contemporary Circus, Gravity & Other Myths, and Patch Theatre. Her creative and entrepreneurial drive is evident in her role as founder and co-director of the multi-award-winning Sound of Circus Australia, as well as founder and director of Amble Coaching, a globally respected handstand coaching platform.
At the heart of Amanda’s contribution to NICA is her human-first approach to training. She combines rigorous technical standards with deep care for each student’s long-term wellbeing and creative curiosity. By fostering an environment where excellence and enjoyment coexist, Amanda helps emerging artists develop not only high-level skills, but also a meaningful relationship with their practice. Her methodology strengthens the culture of learning that is a key component of NICA’s world-class circus education.
Meet more of our core trainers and staff here.
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Published 6 February 2026