FOR one member of the Stardust Circus, the stop in Port Macquarie is a chance to check out his hometown.
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At only six years old, acrobatic performer Wyatt West was born at the Port Macquarie base hospital when the circus toured in 2011. The last time he was here his training was in the early stages.
But now, he is happily hand standing on his uncle’s head and making a name for himself alongside his family, which are now six generation circus performers in what is the largest family circus in Ausralia.
Gene West-Sooby is the leader of the acrobatic group that people can see while Stardust is in town (from today until Sunday, March 5) and is a fifth generation performer.
“I’ve been doing it for 35 years. I was born into it,” he said.
“Growing up it was awesome. I love travelling and couldn’t see myself doing anything else but this.
“I love performing and to do it with my family, my nephews, is fantastic.”
Cassius West, aged 11, and Wyatt approached their uncle to become a trio. It was an offer he couldn’t turn down.
“Our act has changed a lot over the years. With Wyatt, who has only just turned six, we brought him in and have adapted to get him more involved,” Gene said.
Cassius’ dad, Glenn West, is Gene’s brother but has given up the high flying lifestyle after injuries battered his body.
“I was an acrobatics and flying trapeze performing and lion trainer, but you do it all when you are born into it,” he said.
“I tried to talk Cassius out of it, but this is what he wanted to do. It’s great to see him follow in my footsteps, but at the same time I know how hard it is.
“I’m 47 but I have the body of an 80 year old because of the injuries. He’s only 11 but he has made up his mind that this is the career he wants.”
Along with the acrobatics, there will obviously be plenty of fun-loving mischievous clowns, much loved animals such as lions, dogs, goats and ponys, trapeze artists, games for the kids and a whole lot more.
The Tacking Point Lions will attend every session to collect donations for charities such as Camp Quality and Canteen.
Visit www.stardustcircus.com.au for tickets and session times.