EAC (@easternacrobatics ) offers a unique opportunity to work with expert coaches to build incredible strength and flexibility, discover hidden talents, and have playful fun in a motivational environment within its beautiful church facility.
Ready to take flight? Feel free to drop in during your preferred class time and sign up on-site, or sign up on line here, or reach out to info@easternacrobatics.com if you don’t see a class that fits your interests and want to chat about other opportunities. Spread the word and join the EAC community today!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Contortion, Tumbling, Handstands
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 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.
These programs are for aspiring circus artists who want to take their skills to the next level. Enrollment is by audition only. Please inquire at info@easternacrobatics.com.
Full-time training is designed to bring students with professional aspirations to the level required for their desired career path and for professionals to upscale their difficulties to satisfy the demands of their ambition or changes in industry requirements.
Though many of the skills needed to perform in modern circuses and other companies hiring circus artists are what they always were, some things have changed substantially. A strong act that is skillful and entertaining remains a staple, but artists are more likely to need more diverse skill sets including tumbling, dance, multiple acts, and the ability to create group scenes on the fly. Students in this program will train around 30 hours a week, working with a coach on their specialty and supporting skills, and will have a choreographer or other creative support as needed.
Please out this form if you are interested in full time enrollment.
Length: 30+ hours/week
3 Month minimum
If you are interested in taking your skills to the next level, but aren't able to commit to full-time training, this is the program for you. Emphasis on foundational technique and skills for tumbling, handstands, and Aerial, especially strength and flexibility. Focus on individual ability, but some group work.
Length: 20+ hours/week
3 Month minimum
This program is for teens who are serious about taking your skills to the next level. Training is set up to open the possibility of reaching a professional level, but students are involved in setting their own goals. Essential skills will be emphasized including tumbling, handstands, strength, and flexibility, but each student will also have their own specialty that will be given additional attention.
Length: 15+ hours/week
September-May, Summer programming variable.
By audition only. Business hour access to the facility for those who are committed to training as often as possible. Priority is given to classes, so you will need to learn the busy times to know which areas are available when.
Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 8 PM, Saturday 11 AM - 5 PM, Sunday 10 AM - 2 PM