Jessica Hentoff

Jessica Hentoff is the artistic and executive director of Circus Harmony, St. Louis' only circus school and social circus organization. She founded and has been privileged to coach and choreograph the St. Louis Arches since the troupe's inception in 1989.  In 2009, Jessica received the double honor of being named St. Louis Arts Innovator of the Year by the Arts & Education Council and receiving the Grand Center Visionary Award for Outstanding Arts Educator. She also was invited by the World Circus Federation to give a presentation on social circus (using circus arts to motivate social change) at the Monte Carlo Circus Festival.  She also serves on the Board of Directors for the American Youth Circus Organization and on Circus Fans of America's Youth Circus Committee. Jessica's remarkable vision and use of circus arts to build character and community has brought about groundbreaking, bridge-building programs like Circus Salaam Shalom, Far East Meets Midwest, and Peace through Pyramids.  These trademarks of Circus Harmony are the embodiment of the organization's mission to help children "defy gravity, soar with confidence and leap over social barriers, all at the same time."

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