Thurston-based Academy of Movement has staged a circus, dance and gymnastics showcase
A circus, dance and gymnastics school held a showcase at the weekend.
The Academy of Movement held the event at the Sports Barn, Thurston Community College on Saturday.
Some 152 students performed routines from a range of disciplines to parents, friends and family.
The Mayor of Bury St Edmunds, Cllr Diane Hind, was also in attendance.
“The showcase went brilliantly,” said Ben Brason, who founded the academy with partner Jamie in September 2020.
“Around 250 guests came along and the students aged from three to 16 performed routines from our new academy curriculum.
“We introduced this in January and it includes all the disciplines from circus skills, gymnastics, to aerial work with silks, trapeze and acro dance.
“Apart from parents and friends being able to see their work, it was great for the students to perform for each other across the age ranges.”
Ben and Jamie founded the school after travelling the world as professional entertainers.
Ben is a former Great Britain gymnast and performed in the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in 2012.
He currently holds the world record, standing at 26, for most consecutive backflips on spring-loaded stilts.
Jamie has appeared as a dancer in the West End, performed at the F1 Grand Prix in Singapore and Switzerland as well as a other worldwide events.
The academy holds workshops and classes for the public and schools, as well as boot camps, parties and special events.
“We have now now more than 300 students on our books with some having been with us from the beginning,” said Ben.
“The idea behind the academy is not to be competitive but more of a celebration of movement, helping boost the students’ performance and confidence.
“On Saturday, there were also judges scoring the performers and they were all handed an official academy lanyard and pin badge to recognise their accomplishments and commitment to their craft.”
The Academy of Movement runs classes throughout the week at Thurston New Green Centre and at the New Bury Community Centre, in Bury St Edmunds.
It also holds classes for adults.
