Maryborough's got talent
A MARYBOROUGH teen wowed the judges on Australia's Got Talent this week, with a fast-paced acrobatic performance in circus troupe Circotic.
Former Aldridge State High student Daniel O'Brien, 19, moved to Melbourne last year to study at the National Institute for Circus Arts - an unusual career move for the gymnastics fanatic.
After meeting fellow gymnastics and dance fans at NICA, he joined the group called Circotic - billed as "a collaboration of artists from different disciplines, united to showcase a unique fusion of circus and contemporary dance".
The seven-strong team put together an incredible routine featuring backflips, splits and high-flying acrobatics set to an electronic soundtrack.
Despite a slight misstep when one of the dancers dropped his partner after an airborne move, the judges were amazed by the group's performance skills on Monday night.
Circotic was roundly applauded by the judges, and got a full house of three yes votes to progress to the next stage of the competition.
Daniel's sister Rachael Reimers said his family in Maryborough was delighted with his success.
"He studied gymnastics at school, and specialised in hand-stands and straps," Mrs Reimer said.
"He's quite reserved but he just loves performing."
She said Daniel was in the second year of a three-year Bachelor of Circus Arts, which is the highest level of accredited circus training in Australia.
The degree teaches skills from the basics of tumbling and balance, to aerial performance, acting, dance, anatomy and the history of circus.
"We're all so proud of him, and we hope he will get through - it's up to the judges now," Mrs Reimer said.
