No doubt about it: the aristocracy of the circus are the aerialists, the trapeze and high-wire and other up-in-the-air artists who defy gravity (and major injury or death) by soaring high above the crowd.

There's a deceptively modest-looking place in Northeast Minneapolis where you can study these arcane skills—including trapeze, Spanish web, tissu, hoops/lyra, rope, acrobatics, body balancing, plus juggling and clowning. Xelias Aerial Arts Studio offers 10-week class sessions for kids and adults, at three skill levels, and maintains a performance company as well.

Founded by Ringling Brothers veteran, choreographer, theater artist, and teacher Meg Elias-Emery, Xelias boasts a roster of teachers who bring circus skills together with theater and dance expertise. Our managing photographer, Bill Kelley, paid a visit during a recent class to, as Xelias' publicity puts it, "watch humans fly."