Circus Harmony
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The City Museum, an industrial playground built on, in, and around the former International Shoe building in St. Louis City houses a plethora of interesting, odd, and exciting attractions. None of which are more thrilling than Circus Harmony, where children and adults alike flip and fly through the air.
Their Mission is to “help people defy gravity, soar with confidence, and leap over social barriers, all at the same time.” Circus Harmony practices “Peace Through Pyramids” by performing with the Galilee Circus, a Jewish/Arab youth circus in Israel. |
After the Michael Brown shooting in 2014 Circus Harmony felt “closer to the violence than when we were in Israel” and started Peace Through Pyramids: Ferguson. The program teaches peace and tolerance to the youths of the community through the practice and discipline of circus arts.
Over 70% of the population served by Circus Harmony are from low-income families. They believe teaching children of different socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds can help bridge the gaps within the community.
Over 70% of the population served by Circus Harmony are from low-income families. They believe teaching children of different socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds can help bridge the gaps within the community.
The bond forged between the students at Circus Harmony is more than friendship. “I trust these guys literally with my life” Sally, [pictured above] a young aerialist says “I know that they won’t judge me, these kids are my family”. Another student, Oliver says “Im able to be me and not worry about what other people think”. He says he loves working with the many different people who find their way through Circus Harmony.
*In the coming weeks a longer and more in depth video about circus harmony and their efforts to make a change in the community will be published in collaboration with HEC-TV.