Women in Circus for International Women's Day

The role of women in circus is, for me, a source of pride. Long before society began to see women as equals, and long before the idea of women being equals was even a thing, women had a place in the circus. Female circus performers date back to the earliest days of modern circus. In 1772, an early circus performance at Philip Astley's Riding School in London featured two equestriennes. In 1772!

By the end of the 19th century, American circus was entering its Golden Age. Women had a role in the circus, and unlike female performers in other artistic fields like theatre, they were respected and considered respectable. Successful, strong, and talented, the female circus artist was a role model for progressive urban women. The female circus star was proof that a woman could outshine a man.

So today, let us honour the strength, grace, and physical prowess of women of circus past.

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More after the jump.

Antoinette Concello, first woman to

do the triple on flying trapeze

 Maude Banvard, The Catch, Brockton Fair

1907 by Frederick W Glasier

Mable Stark, famed animal trainer

from the 1920s and beyond

Erma Ward, aerialist of the 1920s,

could do 100 plange turns

Bareback rider May Wirth standing

on shoulders of Richard Arlen

 Bird Millman, 1922, Chicago.
Considered one of the greatest female

wire walkers in America

Pinto del Oro, Spain's "stunning, steel-nerved

trapeze performing star"

Famed strongwoman of the 1910s,

Katie Sandwina

Female juggling star Lottie Brunn.

A rarity even today.

For more incredible women of circus, why not check this out? I know I'm very tempted to order a copy, though 35 pounds is a pretty hefty sum when converted to Canadian dollars...

Pictured on cover, famed strongwoman of

the 1900s, Miss Charmaine