Teacher Bios

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International partner acro teacher Debbie Collis started taking gymnastics when she was a kid. Thanks to her training in her youth, she has the strength, balance, and poise to make partner acrobatics very beautiful. Debbie’s long straight legs and pointed toes are the envy of the acro world. Debbie loves the connection and flow she can find with a partner. She can forget about the whole world while flowing in complex acrobatic movements. Debbie has a talent for teaching. Students say that she is sweet and has a good eye for form. She loves practicing until she gets a move perfectly and loves to share this practice around the world by hosting workshops, teaching at festivals, and assisting in teacher trainings. Debbie has been practicing acro since 2012 and became a certified Acro Revolution Teacher in 2017.

Loc is a seasoned instructor whose journey in mindful movement began in 2009. Recognizing the profound connection between mind, body, heart, and vitality, Loc adopts a holistic approach to his teaching philosophy. Rooted in this understanding, he embarked on his path as a martial artist, cultivating a deep appreciation for the body's intricate mechanics and the profound impact of touch on overall well-being. In 2017, Loc expanded his repertoire by embracing yoga as a means to integrate mindfulness with movement. Through his teachings, he empowers students to nurture a harmonious relationship between their physical bodies, mental states, emotional well-being, and vitality. Loc's classes are not merely about mastering poses but about cultivating self-awareness, compassion, and acceptance. In 2018, fueled by his passion for dynamic expression and connection, Loc ventured into the realm of AcroYoga. With its emphasis on trust, communication, and play, AcroYoga perfectly complements Loc's holistic approach to teaching. Through this practice, he encourages students to explore their edges, build resilience, and cultivate a deeper sense of connection with themselves and others. Loc's teachings embody a holistic perspective, weaving together the physical, mental, emotional, and energetic aspects of each individual. Whether facilitating a Thai yoga massage session, guiding a yoga class, or leading an AcroYoga workshop, Loc's aim remains consistent: to empower his students to embark on a journey of self-discovery, transformation, and holistic well-being.

Lux has been a student of circus since 2002. He credits the start of his career to Chuck Johnson at the School of Acrobatics and New Circus Arts in Seattle (SANCA). He has since studied in over a dozen countries with teachers from around the globe.

In the early 2000's, Lux joined Primary Element, a Seattle-based Acro & Fire troupe. The trio performed together for many years, and in 2005, performed for Cirque Du Soleil at the celebration of Varekai’s 500th performance. Though he is now retired from the stage, Lux performed for many years in duo & trio acts.

Lux began teaching Acro to recreational practitioners and professional acrobats in 2005. Over the past decade, his approach to teaching and creating acro content has earned him a loyal following across the globe.

Today, Lux is best known as a teacher, content writer, and leader in the global acro community. In addition to teaching bi-monthly intermediate and advanced series in Seattle, Lux regularly leads workshops and teacher trainings around the country.

Sam Courts

Sam Courts is a Seattle based acrobat and teacher with a love for finding new challenges in the practice and nerding out about the details. She started acro in 2014 and now teaches and practices across a broad range of acro styles as both a base and flyer, though she has a particular fondness for free balances, puzzley transitions, and strong-flyer skills.

Luka has been hooked on acro since he first tried it in 2015. He enjoys constantly refining skills, occasionally reaching for the next ones, always finding new ranges of motion to work on, and, most of all, taking a long time to warm up and calibrate. Currently based in Seattle, Luka enjoys supporting fellow travelers on the road to solid basing and particularly delights in discovering effective progressions and cues. Luka's excited to be making the trek back to Acrolandia this summer (3 for 3)!

AcroMash, the dynamic duo from Portland OR, have been teaching together since 2019. Their classes are full of laughs, nerdiness, and an appreciation for the shared joy in our practice. Specializing in Icarian, whip-pops, and creative washing machines, they love to make acro approachable and relatable. They're excited for Acrolandia's third year, and looking forward to creating a unique festival experience. When not performing, teaching, or training, they can be found cooking big meals or relaxing with a good puzzle.