I met Ekow when he was nine years old. I was bouncing on a trampoline as part of the Columbia Grammar School fundraiser. Ekow watched me; he and several other children who live on 93rd street did not get to jump. I told them they could get free time in our gym on 86th street. Ekow came and stayed for eleven years.

 

Surprise and laughter have always accompanied his spontaneous comic and acrobatic performances. To broaden his experience and support his rare talents, I introduced him to other natural athletes. Neil Morrow, a gymnast who became a steroid-free bodybuilder, enjoyed Ekows' spirited enthusiasm. I invited the Back Street fliers to the gym. The first acrobatic troupe from the Big Apple Circus Ekow fit right in. Chris Harrison, the Artistic Director of Anti-Gravity, visited Ekow in his home. After watching Ekow spontaneously sing, dance, and make captivating impressions, Chris said, "If you put a camera on Ekow, you would have a great Television show."

 

Echo studied with me, Soomi Kim, and Tony Flores. He became a coach and finally a professional acrobat for the Brooklyn Nets tumbling team. Throughout his training, his greatest asset has always been his ability to be true to himself; this allowed him to put jokes in his jumps. Touching the twenty-three-foot ceiling, spinning and flipping Ekow turns gravity into comedy.