Circus "Quarantraining" During a Pandemic

ST. LOUIS - March 26, 2020 - PRLog -- Why circus during a pandemic? Jessica Hentoff, the artistic/executive director of Circus Harmony explains, "Circus has always been about joy, triumph, and laughter demonstrated through strength, flexibility, and balance! Circus Harmony is about supporting each other and realizing we are all connected. We've always taught our students to be creative and resilient. All the life lessons we teach in our school- especially persistence, responsibility, and teamwork- are exactly what is important now, in the middle of a pandemic!"

Circus Harmony has the reserves to be able to pay their teaching artists through May. Like so many non-profits, they are seeking donations but recognize that food and health concerns are much bigger needs, especially right now. Circus Harmony has switched its classes to an online format to keep their students connected and in shape. They are calling these Quarantraining classes and range from preschool to juggling to hard core conditioning. Students and circus friends from all over the world - from Australia to Germany to Canada and from 3-year olds in St. Louis to 68-year olds in New York City - are joining in to both participate and offer classes.

When: Every day

Where: www.facebook.com/circusharmony

Cost: Free, with donations requested at https://circusharmony.org/

How: For current students and new students who can be verified through Facebook Messenger

Hentoff feels that, "Circus folks, whether they are 8th generation or new circus students, learn to be creative problem solvers." When the pandemic started to shut the world down, she was tracking her students, some of whom were touring around the world.  Two were in Moscow with Cirque du Soleil, one of her sons was touring in France with an Australian circus. Others were in Germany, Florida, and Canada. Of the two in Russia, one made it to Montreal, one made it to St. Louis and tried to get to Vancouver but the border closed. Her son made it back to Australia. His circus company has said they can pay their people, at least in part, for a year. Hentoff also messaged a friend there who is part of a multi-generation traditional circus. Like all circus people, her friend offered any help her son may need. "Circus people are always there for each other," she points out. "That's a circus lesson everyone can use!"

Circus Harmony is a non-profit social circus organization that uses circus arts to motivate social change.  They are also St. Louis' only complete circus school and pre-professional circus training location. They are both an arts education and a youth development organization. By inspiring individuals and connecting communities with our circus education and entertainment programs, they have a positive impact on the St. Louis area and beyond.