there's only two types of people in the world, ones that entertain and ones that observe, I'm a put on a show kind of girl, don't like the backseat

A series of photographs that really speaks to me; rare colour photos of circus showgirls from the 40s and 50s. They are from The Circus Book: 1870-1950 and were shot at travelling camps in the 40's and 50's. So much inspiration for photoshoots and outfits, I truly wish I could have lived the life some of these women did. So cool!!!


Angel wings (1950) / Blue skies and a baby kitty at the Dailey Brothers Circus (1950)


Dirty feet yet cute shoes, performing couple (1954) / Aerial ballet showgirl (1949)


The Wardrobe Wagon and a cute pup (1959) / Elephants! (in the back) King Brothers Circus (1950)


Harem pants and silk flowers / Bunny ears (1946) a Barnum & Bailey showgirl


Amazing costumes, I want a pony on a stick! (1955) / Aerialist Pinito del Oro (1953)


Feathers, and do I detect cat eye make up on the first girl? (1956) / Floral (1941)


Performer Lottie Brunn (1949) / Mardi gras girl (1952)


Fortune teller vibes

All photos via http://www.flavorwire.com/