Independent(?) film after 1984 about little girl in travelling circus

Trying to find a movie that I think was Independent film. It took place near a beach and was about a little girl with short hair whose uncle was the ring master of a travelling circus. She was made to walk the tight rope. In one little town by the beach she meets a little boy and they become best friends. She was also abused by the uncle and had markings on her back.

my friend joe