Circus Girls Of Sarasota: Vintage Photos Documenting Daily Life of Sassy Acrobat Performers, 1949

Sarasota is known as the “Circus Capital Of The World,” it is located in Florida. Shows are held both monthly and annually; the circus is known around the globe for world-class artistry and entertainment. In the 1940s, a group of sassy young women acrobat showcased their incredible performances that mixed high-flying wire acts. These women wore fashionable high-waisted dresses. In 1949, Life magazine sent famous photographer Nina Leen to document these incredible performers’ performance, training, and behind-the-scenes. Leen’s stunning photos reflect the apparently carefree lifestyle of independent single women. Have a look at these incredible photos below and vote your favorites.

#1 LIFE visits the circus in Florida- Acrobats and stage performers in various stages of action in 1949.

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#2 An acrobat practicing on a tent rope while an unidentified woman is standing nearby during a rehearsal for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus in Sarasota, FL in 1949.

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#3 An acrobat holding an umbrella and rehearsing on a rope for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus in Sarasota, FL in 1949.

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#4 An acrobat rehearsing for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus while an unidentified man holding a rope in Sarasota in 1949.

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#5 A circus girl sitting on a ladder during a rehearsal for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus in Sarasota, FL in 1949.

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#6 A circus girl sitting on the ground and applying cream on a wound during a rehearsal for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus in Sarasota, FL in 1949.

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#7 A circus girl standing near a pole while an unidentified man is holding a rope during a rehearsal for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus in Sarasota, FL in 1949.

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#8 An aerialist rehearsing with a rope for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus in Sarasota, FL in 1949.

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#9 A picture of a circus girl sitting and holding a dog during a rehearsal for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus in Sarasota, FL in 1949.

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#10 An aerialist rehearsing for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus while a circus girl is holding a rope in Sarasota, FL in 1949.

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#11 Life Visits the Circus in Florida- Acrobats / Performers in various stages of action in 1949.

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#12 An acrobat practicing with a tent rope while two girls are sitting nearby during a rehearsal for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus in Sarasota, FL in 1949.

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#13 An aerialist smoking while rehearsing for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus in Sarasota, FL in 1949.

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#14 Three circus girls relaxing near a pole during a rehearsal for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus in Sarasota, FL in 1949.

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#15 Three circus girls sitting on a wooden plank and watching a group of aerialists rehearsing with ropes for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus in Sarasota, FL in 1949.

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#16 A picture of a group of circus girls sitting at a rehearsal for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus in Sarasota, FL in 1949.

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#17 A picture of a circus girl sitting on the head of an elephant during a rehearsal for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus in Sarasota, FL in 1949.

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#18 A circus girl standing at a door of a circus vehicle during a rehearsal for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus in Sarasota, FL in 1949.

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#39 A group of circus girls taking a ride in a circus vehicle during a rehearsal for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus in Sarasota, FL in 1949.

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