Hopes and expectations were sky high Friday as the St. Paul Bouncing Team held tryouts to fill two positions of the “Bouncing Girl.”

One of the oldest and most popular performers in the St. Paul Winter Carnival, the St. Paul Bouncing Team performs aerial acrobatics throughout the year.

The “Bouncing Girl” is launched into the sky by way of blanket-toss, a tradition that is believed to predate written history and was used by Native Americans to elevate members of their clan to a higher vantage point to watch for game and predators, according to the team’s website.

“I’m turning 50 this year so I’m conquering fears and trying new things,” Heidi Mueller said at tryouts Friday, adding, “Plus, I really want to be in a parade.”

The 10-day carnival concludes Saturday with the Vulcan Victory Torchlight Parade at 5:15 p.m. in downtown St. Paul.

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