Known as the “Queen of the Air,” Dolly Jacobs is a world-renowned circus aerialist and co-founder of The Circus Arts Conservatory.

Jacobs, the daughter of legendary clown Lou Jacobs and renowned model and circus artist Jean Rockwell Jacobs, began her circus career with Ringling and has performed extensively around the world, including twice at the International Circus Festival of Monte Carlo, where she received the Dame du Cirque (Lady of the Circus) award and the coveted Silver Clown award.

Jacobs and fellow circus artist Pedro Reis founded Circus Sarasota (known today as The Circus Arts Conservatory) in 1997, a nonprofit organization that presents professional performances and provides educational training and outreach programs.

Jacobs has been honored with numerous accolades throughout her career. Most recently, she became the first circus artist to become a 2015 NEA National Heritage Fellow in recognition of both her continuing artistic accomplishments and contributions as a teacher. Inspired by this award, the Smithsonian Institution invited The Circus Arts Conservatory to be the Participating Partner for the 2017 Smithsonian Folklife Festival, which honored the Circus Arts. Jacobs, along with artists from around the world, performed under the Circus Sarasota Big Top on the National Mall in Washington, DC for millions of spectators.