Anatoly Koshelev (left), a director with Runaway Circus, leads Harper School first graders through a warm-up during class at the school. | Curtis Lehmkuhl~Sun-Times Media

Harper School first graders Jack Olson (left) and Sophia Allen work on their tight rope routine during a class with The Runaway Circus at the school. | Curtis Lehmkuhl~Sun-Times Media

Harper School first graders Greta Borland (left) and Megan Malquardt try on their circus outfits during a class taught by The Runaway Circus at the school. | Curtis Lehmkuhl~Sun-Times Media

Harper School first graders go through warm-ups during a class taught by The Runaway Circus at the school. | Curtis Lehmkuhl~Sun-Times Media

(Left to right) Harper School first graders Matt Moloney, Lars Arlandson and Hudson Nachtwey work on their routine as "The Bow Tie Brothers" during a class taught by The Runaway Circus at the school. | Curtis Lehmkuhl~Sun-Times Media