25 Years of Passing It On
My circus journey started when I took a class at the State University of New York Purchase, thinking it would be fun. The class was Circus Arts, and the teacher was Warren Bacon. Warren introduced me to the thrill of flying, the joy of juggling, and the sensational art form that is the circus. After a summer spent touring with a youth circus called The Circus Kingdom. I returned to New York and went to Warren, saying, "Circus is what I want to do with my life! How can I repay you?" Warren responded, “I’ll tell you what my teacher told me, ‘Pass it on!’”
I embarked on a professional circus career of my own that landed me in St. Louis and led to the formation of the St. Louis Arches youth circus troupe in 1988 and the founding of Circus Harmony as a nonprofit social circus school in 2001.
For 25 years, we have created a community where children can find their strengths, exercise their creativity, and bring joy to others! I hope you’ll join us on this journey of helping children learn how to defy gravity, soar with confidence, and leap over social barriers!
For Harmony,
Jessica Hentoff
Artistic/Executive Director and Founder
Join the Celebration on April 11th at the Silver Circus Soiree!
The celebration begins at 4:00 PM with a performance in the circus ring followed by a reception in the Vault Room at City Museum.
Register for the Livestream if you cannot attend in person and want to watch remotely.
Be sure to include your phone number when registering to receive a text message reminder of when to tune in!
What to Expect
- A special one-time-only show featuring current members of the Performance Troupe and special alumni guest Sidney Iking Bateman.
- The premiere of a 25th anniversary video including interviews with alumni and friends of Circus Harmony.
- Opportunities to donate and support the next generation of circus kids.
- Fabulous food and delicious desserts!