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Eastern Acrobatics Teachers

Jacob Skeffington

easternacrobatics

Partner acrobatics, handstands

Jacob Skeffington has experienced a vast range of skill and varied approaches to the circus, from being a founding member of a small youth company to performing with the Cirque du Soleil.

He attended two professional circus schools, one to start his career and one to upskill and refocus later in his performing career. The first was one of the top schools in the West, the National circus school in Montreal, and the other one of the top schools in the East, the China National Acrobatics Troupe in Beijing.

Comparing the different ways that these large institutions approach training was a leading factor in his decision to create Eastern Acrobatics, leveraging his wide-ranging experience to create the best systems for learning at all levels and ages.

Bud Tumurbaatar

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Mongolian Contortion, Handstands, Group Acrobatics

T. Bud, born in 1978, hails from an illustrious lineage with the renowned circus performer T. Enkh-Ayush as an ancestor. His initiation into the circus realm came early, showcasing his acrobatic prowess by 1992. By 1993, he had already earned his place in the esteemed State Honored Circus's A troupe, marking the beginning of a distinguished career in circus arts.

As an acrobat, T. Bud's career is decorated with accolades: a silver medal from the 1995 World Acrobatics Championships and a gold from the 1997 Asian Championships. He thrilled audiences with an aerial act in 1998 and a trapeze act in 1993. Since 2002, he has also performed a duet act alongside his wife.

T. Bud's international tours across America, Europe, and Asia have played a pivotal role in introducing and endearing Mongolian circus art to a global audience.

Since 2004, T. Bud has been an influential jury member for the Golden Trick of the Kobzov International Circus Festival. He plays a significant role in the innovative "Ice Circus" project under the Kobzov Circus banner, propelling Mongolian circus art into exciting new realms. His commitment extends to nurturing the next wave of circus talent through meticulous training and mentorship.

Jun Kuribayashi

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Choreography, Dance, Alternative Movement, Creation

Jun Kuribayashi has been a mover all of his life. He began as a competitive swimmer, breakdancer, and martial artist. He took his first dance class at age 22 at the University of Kansas where he earned his BFA in Dance. The year he graduated, he premiered professionally with Momix.

In 2004 he joined Pilobolus Dance Theater and toured all over the globe as a dancer, Dance Captain and eventually an Artistic Associate until late 2015. Dance Magazine listed him alongside Misty Copeland and Ethan Stiefel as one of the best performers of the year. Kuribayashi's work as a performer, choreographer and movement consultant span a wide variety of mediums.

Alex Jackson

@alex_on_straps

Straps, Handstands, Arials

Alex Jackson is a Boston based circus instructor and performer who is never happier than when he is upside down. He began his circus career learning to juggle while earning degrees in Biology and Theater from UMass Amherst. After graduating, his passion for rock climbing led him to Esh Circus Arts, where he trained a variety of aerial disciplines before attending the Professional Training program at the New England Center for Circus Arts.

While his first love was aerial rope, his main disciplines now include straps, hand balancing and partner acrobatics. Alex performs regularly with the Boston Circus Guild and teaches at Esh Circus Arts and Eastern Acrobatics and Circus.

Rachel Barringer

bendyladyray

Contortion, Aerial Rope, Aerial Hoop

Rachel Barringer is an aerialist and contortionist based in New England. She performs on aerial hoop, silks, rope, multi-cordes, and aerial straps. Rachel also performs duo aerials (hoop and braided loops) with Caroline Wright as Duo Shadow. She has performed with Shanghai Circus, Boston Circus Guild, Santa's Circus, Cirque de Light, Nimble Arts, and more.

Rachel is also a founding member of Circus 617, a Boston-based contemporary circus collective. Her main coaches include Serchmaa Byamba (contortion), Michael Lanphear (aerial straps), and Jacob Skeffington (hand-balancing). In addition to being a circus performer Rachel is also a cellist.

Kamber Hart

Dance, Choreography

Kamber Hart grew up in Phoenix, Arizona and has trained in modern, contemporary and classical ballet. She has trained with the Merce Cunningham Trust, the Martha Graham Dance Company as well as Kyle Abraham, Stephen Company, Joffrey Ballet, and American Ballet Theatre. She has performed as a freelance dancer in both Boston and NYC and was a member of Hana Q Dance Company and Mollet Contemporary Ballet. She continues to train partner acrobatics and hand balancing. Kamber graduated from Princeton University with a degree in Psychology and minors in Spanish, Neuroscience, and Dance.

Jocelyn Olum

Rope, Fabric, Straps

Jocelyn grew up outside Boston with one foot in academia and the other in circus arts. Enrolled in college in Portland, OR, she performed with Tempos Contemporary Circus and taught circus classes at the Echo Theater. Before moving back to Boston, she performed up and down the west coast with the Flynn Creek Circus. Jocelyn is an aerialist, an acrobat, and an optimist; she hopes to share her love of movement with her students.

Katherine Upton

Contortion, Tumbling, Handstands

Samuel Ball

Straps, Tumbling, Ball Juggling

Samuel Ball, newly embarking on coaching in the circus arts. Coaching is an amazing experience, presenting diverse challenges and fulfilling rewards. Sam is always looking to expand his expertise, particularly in the aerial arts. Sam is committed to creating a rich environment of learning. His goal is to continue to learn from and teach new students as the years progress, which will allow him to share his enthusiasm and knowledge in the circus arts for the enrichment of all.

Owen Lawson-Spratley

Owen Lawson-Spratley is a talented circus artist who enjoys a variety of activities. His passions are juggling, partner acrobatics, and performing for a crowd under the big top. Owen began his circus career at Flying Gravity Circus 9 years ago as a “pre-trouper.” He now is a member of the advanced performance troupe and works part-time as a coach for middle schoolers. In 2020 Owen was accepted into the Big Top Tour at Circus Smirkus and he has performed during summers ever since. This September, he joined Eastern Acrobatics and Circus where he trains 20 hours/week toward a professional career in circus arts. When Owen is not busy in one of his three circus programs, he spends time sipping tea and testing new recipes in the kitchen. He particularly enjoys Asian fusion. Owen has a great work ethic, is known for his positive attitude, and also lives up to his “clown” persona when relaxing with his friends.

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