Many children dream of running away to join the circus.
When Muluridgi and Mbarbarum man Mark Sheppard was growing up, he had no such plans.
"It may be hard to believe but I am one of the quieter ones in my family," he told NITV.
After working as a professional dancer and entertainer, Mr Sheppard was selected in 2012 to take part in Circus Oz's Blackflip program, an initiative providing circus training to Indigenous performing artists.
He trained in acrobatics, clowning and dance.
Mr Sheppard is now one of the circus' lead entertainers.
He said he draws on his cultural roots to enhance his work.
"It's about telling stories, but it's also about providing entertainment and a way for people to be able to come together as a community," Mr Sheppard said.
Kamilaroi man Dale Woodbridge, from New South Wales, has a background in dance.
He is also a Backflip graduate.
Mr Woodbridge said his acrobatic performances were heavily influenced by his upbringing.
"Letting my story come through my performance, I guess that's my culture and that's how I keep close to it," he said.
Before the introduction of the Blackflip program, there had only ever been one Indigenous performer in Circus Oz.
Now, organisers are hopeful that even more Indigenous performers will have the chance to take to the main stage.
Indigenous Programs Manager at Circus Oz Joshua Bond said the Blackflip program was helping to foster acrobatic and performance talent among Indigenous performers.
"Originally we were finding that there weren't that many trained Indigenous acrobats," Mr Bond said.
"However there were a plethora of talented Indigenous performers from dance or theatre or comedy with transferable skills."
And Mr Sheppard's advice to budding Indigenous circus stars: "Don't let anything hold you back, jump in at the deep end from every door that opens up and don't be ashamed, just allow yourself to really shine."
Watch this story on YouTube below:
