Amy Cohen
I’ve always been a monkey and I always will be. Trees and playgrounds feel like home to me and I truly value play and those I play with. My parents are amazing and encouraged me to relish in every tree I climbed, sofa I scaled, and flip I turned, they didn’t mind that gym, lunch, and art were my favorite subjects, even in college. My brother, ten years younger than me was a wonderful guinea pig as I flew, bounced, and stretched him through his toddler years and beyond. Circus Arts Camp in Westchester, NY is where I caught the circus bug and had the opportunity to find my calling as a teacher and part of a team. Ithaca College is where I broke out of my shell, found mentors who instilled confidence in me, and explored unmarked territory. I found the support to start a circus club, and trust from new friends who embarked on the journey with me. The group has flourished and grown since my graduation, one of the greatest gifts I have ever felt. Ithaca, NY is where I found out that magic is real. I found confirmation that circus is important and loved in communities and there is much room for growth. Also, that there is nothing like the Farmers Market or swimming in the gorges by moonlight. The American Youth Circus Organization is where I found community that has brought out the best in me and given me the focus and drive to bring circus everywhere and anywhere I go. AYCO allowed me to see that I will make a living doing what I love. And here I go!
CYTT: Level 1
hometown: Cortlandt Manor, NY
current residence:
Nomad with a NY home base!
teaching area:
Wherever the wind takes me, often Westchester and Ithaca NY
current teaching:
Aerial Fabric, Circus Arts, Group acrobatics, handstands, stretching, movement
education/training/experience:
B.S. Theatre Arts Management Ithaca College, Proud co-founder of ICircus of Ithaca College, Intern at The Circus Space London, UK, Classes at San Francisco Circus Center, American Youth Circus Organization educators conferences, CircusYoga and Rainbow Kids Yoga teacher training, exploration and play with anyone and everyone.
influential teachers:
Mr. Southall, my elementary school gym teacher and favorite teacher of all time who first introduced me to juggling. Chris Glover, Philippe Vercruyssen and everyone at Circus Arts Camp in Westchester, NY without whom I don’t know where or who I’d be, my Ithaca College family, Lindsay Gilmour who opened my mind and body to new ways of moving, Erin and Kevin for tending the gorgeous fire they have sparked, inspiring, loving friends who journey with me, incredible family who support me and rub off on me, students who challenge and teach me, and those I’ve yet to meet!
current studies/adventures:
Learning more about Yoga so I can integrate it into my circus practice, advancing my circus skills, Co-directing the American Youth Circus Festival in August 2009 (you should come! www.americanyouthcircus.org), loving life, dreaming of the community circus that will evolve in Ithaca. Starting in September 2009 I will be a Fulbright Scholar in the UK researching and playing with the contemporary circus community!
contact me:
Amy Cohen
10 Crosby Court
Cortlandt Manor NY 10567
(914) 441-8834
My Story
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