Photos by Steve, Tiffany & Nicholas of WarmowskiPhotography.com
Leah Joy Hoffman has been named the queen of the 2026 Beaux Arts Ball, the 69th annual fundraiser for The Art Association of Jacksonville that was held on Saturday, April 25.
Hoffman is the daughter of Kristanne Joy Becker Hoffman and the late Robert Dickson Hoffman. She is the granddaughter of Joy French Becker of Jacksonville and the late Loren R. Becker and Ann Dickson Hoffman of Jacksonville and the late Robert M. Hoffman.
Leah Joy Hoffman has served The Art Association of Jacksonville as a volunteer for its “Chairish the Arts” Lawn Party and Art in the Yard. She is also a life member of The Art Association. She was a featured participant in the 2011 Beaux Arts Ball, “Meet Me at the Crossroads at Midnight,” as a flower girl; in the 2019 BAB, “London: A Night with the Royals,” as a junior attendant; and in the 2023 BAB, “Beauty, Grace and Elegance … The only Beauty that Never Fades,” as a senior maid.
A 2023 graduate of Jacksonville High School, she was a member of the National Honor Society and the National English Honor Society. Hoffman was a four-year varsity member of the Jacksonville J’ettes, serving as captain for two years. She led the J’ettes to their first ever IHSA 1A State championship. Additionally, Hoffman was recognized as Miss IDTA 2023 and won the Overall Outstanding Illinois Dancer Award. She currently serves the Jacksonville J’ettes as choreographer and assistant coach.
She danced 16 years with Legacy Dance & Tumbling Complex and Stevens School of Dance & Gymnastics. She was awarded The Legacy Award in 2022. She currently serves Legacy Dance as a coach and choreographer.
Leah Hoffman’s family has been longtime volunteers of The Art Association of Jacksonville. Her grandfather, Loren Becker, served as a lifetime board member. He, along with her grandmother, Joy French Becker, served as Beaux Arts Ball co-chairs for the 25th anniversary “Silver Celebration” in 1982 and the 50th anniversary “Golden Gala” in 2007. Leah Hoffman’s mother, Kristan Becker Hoffman, chaired the 2000 Beaux Arts Ball, “Celebrate Jacksonville!” Kristan Becker Hoffman has served as the Ball’s director of ceremonies, bow and curtsy committee chair, and past queen chair; she was crowned Beaux Arts Ball Queen at the 1994 Beaux Arts Ball, “Simplicity.” Both Leah Hoffman’s mother and father served as participates in many Balls. Currently, her aunt, Elizabeth Becker, serves on the board of trustees and is chair of the buildings and grounds committee. The Becker and Hoffman families have served many fundraising efforts to preserve and celebrate the rich history of the Jacob Strawn legacy. Loren Becker had loved to tell stories about the history of the “Cattle King of Morgan County.” Leah Hoffman’s family is the owner of Jacob Strawn’s farm.
Leah Hoffman attends Indiana University and is pursuing a major in tourism hospitality event management, with minors in coaching, sports marketing and management, all within The School of Public Health. She has been recognized on the President’s Dean’s List and the Big Ten Conference All-Academic Team.
Hoffman is a third-year member of the Indiana University Redsteppers Dance Team. She was voted “Outstanding New Member” her freshman year, “Outstanding Teammate” her sophomore year, and was selected as captain in both her junior and senior years. She enjoys performing at IU football and basketball games.
The Indiana University Redsteppers Dance Team are defending National Champions, winning back-to-back national titles in Spirit Rally at the NDA Collegiate Cheer & Dance Championship in Daytona.
The Redsteppers Dance Team is part of the IU Marching Hundred. Hoffman was a featured dancer on the field during the Big Ten Championship, Rose Bowl and Peach Bowl football games. She also celebrated on the field with the Indiana football team at the National Championship game in Miami. The dance team was featured in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena.
When not dancing, teaching dance or working on choreography, Hoffman enjoys traveling. She will spend time in Italy on a study abroad experience in May. After graduating from Indiana University in 2027, she plans to pursue a career in coaching along with trying out for an NFL Dance Team.
