ETC School encourages physical confidence, freedom, and grace in a creative, non-competitive atmosphere. Students of all abilities develop strength, balance, flexibility, and creativity while working with others to explore the intersection of circus, movement, and storytelling.
Registration is open for Youth Fall Classes and Adult Fall Classes!
Teacher Bios
Aaron Wheeler-Kay (Single Point Trapeze, Aerial Dance, Acrobatics, Tap, Youth Company Director, Inclusion Specialist)
Aaron has been teaching at Echo Theater for 22+ years. Whether teaching trapeze, inclusive dance, tap or acrobatics, Aaron utilizes creative imagery, playfulness, and mindfulness to inform the class. Aaron is focused on physical integration, exploration and expression and strives to cultivate feelings of safety, freedom and fun in his students. Aaron’s teaching is anchored in self-awareness and self-care principles gleaned from his history as a performer, dancer, director and Licensed Massage Therapist. He is a certified Master Teacher of DanceAbility, a method of teaching dance to all people, and his teaching is informed by inclusive practices.
Amanda Elson
Amanda started her circus career when she started taking silks classes back in 2013. She has since spent the last 6 years training, performing, and teaching circus arts and aerial dance. Before finding her love for circus arts, Amanda was a competitive gymnast and springboard diver. Amanda performed with Circus Bacchus and Flagstaff Aerial Arts from Flagstaff, AZ from 2014 through 2018 before she moved to Portland. Amanda joined the circus in 2014, the same year she completed her Master’s degree in Counseling. She was the Co Director of Circus Bacchus from 2016-2018 and taught aerial silks and trapeze with Flagstaff Aerial Arts from 2014-2018. Amanda is a certified aerial instructor after completing NECCA/ Nimble Art’s into to aerial teacher training in February 2018.
Nick John
Nick draws from a long movement background including acrobatics, aerial, multiple dance disciplines, mountaineering, rock climbing, and triathlons. Specializing in aerial rope and partner acrobatics, he began training in the circus arts in 2013. He’s a proud member of Tempos Contemporary Circus and Sir Cupcake’s Queer Circus, performing throughout Portland and beyond. While adept at a range of movement styles, Nick most enjoys exploring emotional, uncomfortable, and dark themes in his devised acts.
Tera Nova Zarra
Tera is a professional strongwoman, aerialist, hand-balancer, and vocalist. She has performed for Nike, Intel, Game of Thrones, Red Dead Redemption II, and hundreds of national and international venues. Tera’s coaching philosophy is a mix of gentle patience, and transformational challenge. She offers 20 years of experience to help you meet your goals; from your first pull-up to your first time performing for two-thousand people!
Student Assessments
Student assessment info is coming soon!
Inclusion Services
Inclusion info is coming soon!
Testimonials
Testimonials are coming soon!
We Love To Hear From You
In need of a private lesson or accommodations? Contact us to discuss your goals.
Can’t find a class that fits your needs? Fill out our class interest form.