A Stasia Acrobats hIstory

Stasia Acrobats History in Brief

On February 2, 2012, after a more than 10-year hiatus from the art form, Aric J. Nelson would return to his roots and form the circus acrobatic troupe, Stasia Acrobats.  Stasia Acrobats is born of his 18-year circus career where he gained experience as a performer and a coach.  Aric’s decision to bring this ancient art form to the masses of South Eastern Idaho was driven by a desire to provide a different art form and sport to those that did not want to follow the line of what is considered the typical sports. Knowing that the circus world was what helped him find a way off of the streets of San Bernardino, California, and was what gave him direction and hope, Aric wanted to be able to give back and provide that same path for those that needed something to help them find a better way to be and a better road to follow in life. 

2012 to 2014 photos (in no particular order)

The path would be forged fast as the Troupe would find itself making it’s performing debut a little over a month after their first practice.  In the middle of March 2012, Stasia Acrobats would take to the stage to showcase their art form, for the first time, at Eagle Rock Dance’s Spring Competition held at the Civic Auditorium.  The first routine was called, “Egypte”, and was only three minutes long.  However, that three minutes would have an amazing impact on the audience, but especially for Stasia Acrobats as this first show would pave the way for so many more shows.  That first year would be a slow one, with regards to that of performances, as the Troupe would only perform fourteen more times in 2012.  But that first year was mainly spent training and laying the groundwork for all of the shows, the setbacks, and the successes that Stasia Acrobats would find.

The groundwork set forth in their first-year led to a 2013 that found new opportunities for the Troupe.  During this year, they would find themselves performing more than 30 times at a wide variety of events.  They would solidify an amazing relationship with Idaho State University (especially the Idaho Falls Campus) and with the Eastern Idaho State Fair as this year found the young Troupe making it’s official debut.  They would take to the Big Dog stage on Labor Day 2013, a rainy and cold day and a second time on the closing Saturday of the Fair.  These two shows would lead to an amazing relationship with the patrons for Eastern Idaho State Fair and the entertainment organizers.  These relationships have led to a continued presence for Stasia Acrobats at the Fair and many returning fans to see what they will bring to the stage each year.  This season would also lead to a future with many compilation pieces and appearances with several different groups throughout the following years.

In 2014, Stasia Acrobats would find itself in the position to be a part of the Idaho Falls Opera Theater’s production of, I’ Pagliaccio.  Director, Dr. Mark Dodd, would bring in the Troupe to perform in the scene where the main character enters the village of his demise.  They would also participate in other aspects of the show as they needed the entertainment value that the Troupe brings to the stage.  Later this year, the ‘Bats would, once again, find themselves on the stage with another group as they would take part in the Blackfoot Performing Arts Center production of, Tarzan.  The Troupe would appear in the scene wear the female lead of Tarzan, would find herself lost in the jungle and soon meet Tarzan, the song, “Waiting for This Moment”.  These two appearances would continue to showcase the incredible abilities of Stasia Acrobats and the great work they do in compilation pieces.  This ability to work with groups would lead to one of this biggest compilation pieces they have ever taken on as, in 2015, they would join forces with the Idaho Falls High School Marching Band and their competition piece of Cirque du Soleil’s, La Nouba.  This would lead to five halftime shows and four competitions that took the two groups to Highland High School, Idaho State University, Utah State University, and Minico High School. 

2015 to 2017 photos (in no particular order)

The successes of the first three years for Stasia Acrobats proved very rewarding and definitely helped to receive more opportunities for new shows.  For the years of 2015 through 2018, Stasia Acrobats would go on to perform nearly 170 shows throughout South Eastern Idaho, with a couple of trips into Northern Utah and one trip to California where four of the ‘Bats were able to go to where their coach, Aric, got his start in the circus world.  They were fortunate enough to work with some of the best acrobats in the country, definitely, an invaluable experience for the four.  But with the continued success, as with any Troupe and business, there has been struggles. 

Stasia Acrobats is no different than any other successful sports team or business.  They, too, have had their fair share of setbacks and failures.  They have learned lessons from many obstacles that presented themselves over the years from that of lost personnel to other sports or graduations, financial issues, bad shows, etc., they continue to push forward.    Those difficulties have helped to fuel the vehicle that is Stasia Acrobats.  They have overcome all of the odds, including the biggest one of them all, being something different than what is considered the normal in the area that they reside.  Many people told Aric that he was crazy and running a circus acrobatic troupe in Idaho Falls was a surefire failure.  But Aric never let those doubters interfere with his dedication, hardwork, and belief that this was, not only possible, but something that would definitely be successful.  And with the failures, Stasia Acrobats has adapted and overcome everything in their way and is now coming off of their most successful season ever, 2019!

Stasia Acrobats would enter their 8^th season by heading to Provo, Utah to perform with their friends from Extreme Ballroom Dance Company and showcase something truly special, a demonstration of two amazing teams that would bring an audience to it’s feet.  This would be a tremendous beginning to an amazing season that would span several Distinguished Young Women Events, more shows with Extreme Ballroom, performances at Veteran and Charity events, and would finish up with two amazing performances at the Festival of Trees in Idaho Falls, an event that has been the number one staple show for Stasia Acrobats.  They have been performing at this event since their first year and they are thankful for this event as it has continued to provide a stage for the Troupe to showcase their art form.  2019 also marked several more firsts for Stasia Acrobats.  They would perform for the Big Sky Conferences Women’s Basketball Championship Game Halftime.  They would also perform a pregame show for the Utah Jazz.  And everywhere they performed this past season, they found amazing crowds and amazing people.  This is the culmination of all of their hardwork, all of their work through failures, and their successes that they continue to build upon. 

2018 to 2019 photos (in no particular order)

As if 2019 did not find enough successes, Stasia Acrobats began the year on fire! We did a quick show to begin the year and then headed to the University of Oregon (our first trip to Oregon) to perform the Halftime show for the Ducks Men’s Basketball team as they would play the Arizona Wildcats on January 9, 2020. The ‘Bats had a tremendous time as, not only did they perform the halftime, we also were able to work out a Campus Tour for the Troupe (especially important for those thinking about colleges), tours of the athletic facilities, and a trip to the ocean (MAN!, it was cold and rainy!). All-in-all, we made a full trip out of it. Stasia Acrobats would return to Idaho to make several more show appearances at ISU, the Veteran’s Home in Pocatello and more. But the, our season (as everyone else’s) came to an abrupt halt. The virus came and cancellations and lockdowns followed.

After the lockdowns lifted in our area, we got back to work. We began training and we were able to go and perform for a handful more events before all shows changed how they would operate. At least we were able to perform at POW/MIA Rally and another DYW. Also, we were able to set up a show at the Fairwinds Assisted Living. We performed outside which was the best way to do this show. We loved the fact that we could go and put on a show for the residents of Fairwinds as the lockdowns truly affected people in assisted living centers. With all the cancellations, we are saddened by the lack of shows this year, but we understand. We are hitting the studio focused on training and putting together a new show with more amazing feats never before attempted by our Troupe. We anxiously await 2021.

Through it all, Stasia Acrobats has continued to grow and find successes in the studio, performing shows, and assisting with events ran by their sponsor, The College of Eastern Idaho Foundation, and at many Charity events.  During their years of existence, they have accumulated an amazing resume that features 316 shows and many miles traveled.  They have done this with a small group of passionate and hardworking acrobats that, through their training at Stasia Acrobats, have found Hope, Courage, Determination, and Family.  Here’s to the successes that Stasia Acrobats has found, and we all hope that the groundwork laid by the ‘Bats within this Troupe, will lead to many more years of growth and success.     

Huntington Sarebos