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Entertainers ready to amaze with new circus, dance and gymnastics school in Bury St Edmunds




When Ben Brason and Jamie Anderson moved to Bury St Edmunds, they were full of hopes and dreams.

After travelling the world as professional entertainers, they wanted to settle in their first home together.

Not only that, but the couple had high hopes for their new business teaching circus skills, dance and gymnastics, to people of all ages.

Ben Brason and Jamie Anderson are holding a summer circus school. Picture by Mark Westley
Ben Brason and Jamie Anderson are holding a summer circus school. Picture by Mark Westley

Ben, 28, is a former Great Britain gymnast, a holder of a world record, and performed in the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in 2012.

Jamie, 33, meanwhile, has appeared as a dancer in the West End, performed at the F1 Grand Prix in Singapore and Switzerland as well as a host of other worldwide events.

Now both qualified teachers, the launch of Academy of Movement was planned for April this year. But events took a different course.

They say juggling lockdown with their hopes and dreams, hasn't been easy. Picture by Mark Westley
They say juggling lockdown with their hopes and dreams, hasn't been easy. Picture by Mark Westley

“We had a big free event planned for which had bought lots of specialist equipment and were hoping to introduce ourselves to the community,” said Ben.

“I’m from King’s Lynn and Jamie is from Dartford. We chose Bury St Edmunds being equidistant from our parents, but we also have friends here and love the place.

“Lockdown, however, stopped everything and we have been stuck ever since – until now. Finally, under current Covid-19 safety guidelines, we can host groups of 15 and have our first Summer Circus Schools planned for this month.”

Academy of Movement will teach people a range of circus, dance, and gymnastic skills, and will also be educational, too. It will offer workshops for the public and schools, and also be available for all kinds of events and parties.

Ben Brason and Jamie Anderson.
Ben Brason and Jamie Anderson.

Ben currently holds the world record, standing at 26, for most consecutive backflips on spring-loaded stilts. He has also displayed his prowess on Italy’s Got Talent and, in his youth, performed backflips on the dating show, Take Me Out, and a got a date.

“Though I started in gymnastics, a friend told me about life in the circus, and I thought, that’s definitely for me. I met Jamie at a show in Dubai six years ago. Settling down and setting up a business together was our dream.”

You can watch 'Backflip Ben's' World Record beating feat, here:

The first three-day school will start August 17 at Thurston New Green Centre, and the second at Southgate Community Centre in Bury St Edmunds, starting August 25.

Lessons will include tumbling, tightrope walking, aerial hoops, juggling, spinning plates and inflatable acrobatics.

For more, visit: www.academyofmovement.co.uk