In memorium
 |
Acoatzin Torres |
Founder Acoatzin Torres was a well-known local instructor and performer of aerial arts. He trained, taught and performed locally and across the United States. Much of his formal training was at the New England Center for Circus Arts (NECCA) in Brattleboro, Vermont, a world-renowned venue for circus art instruction and instructor certification. His expertise extended to aerial fabric, lyra, trapeze, sling, and rope. His unsurpassed dedication to his craft and to his students shone through in every class he taught.
Prior to discovering his love for the circus arts, Acoatzin was a performer and teacher of multiple styles of dance, most notably Mexican Folk Dance, which he studied from the age of 5. Prior to moving to the U.S., Acoatzin danced professionally in his home country of Mexico, where he also studied fashion design. Once in the U.S. he started an after-school dance program for underprivileged students from first through eighth grades and formed Monarca Dance, a company composed of those students that performed at various schools as well as at the national Cinco de Mayo festival on the National Mall in Washington, DC. In addition to directing and choreographing the company, Acoatzin made almost all the costumes they used for performances.
Tragically, Acoatzin’s life was cut short on October 23, 2021, shortly before his 41st birthday. We miss him every day.
NECCA has graciously formed the Acoatzin Torres Memorial Scholarship fund for teacher training. Acoatzin was held himself and all his staff to high standards for teaching, and we’re proud to be part of such a fitting tribute. If you would like to contribute to the scholarship to prolong his legacy, you can do so here: