For as long as we've had bodies, we've been using them in incredible ways. Case in point? These iconic old-school acrobats, who flipped, swung, and pirouetted their way through life.
From young Japanese gymnasts to performers balancing atop the Empire State Building, here are 20 high-flying photographs of old-school acrobats.
1
“French acrobat Charles Blondin crossing the Niagara falls, circa 1859.”
2
“My acrobatically skilled grandfather lifting my mother in 1958.”
3
“Acrobats in Japan. ca. 1900.”
4
“Acrobats Balance On Top Of The Empire State Building, 1934.”
5
“My Great Grand Mother, early 1900’s, an equestrian/acrobat for Barnum & Bailey Circus.”
6
“Circus acrobat in New York City - 1950s.”
7
“Acrobat dad entertaining his daughter, 1940.”
8
“Actress Venetia Stevenson watches as acrobat and actor Russ Tamblyn, father of actress Amber Tamblyn, does a flip on the sidewalk, c. 1950s.”
9
“French acrobat Philippe Petit balances on a tightrope strung between the World Trade Center's Twin Towers, 1974.”
10
“Acrobat Hans Prignitz does a handstand on top of St Michaelis Church in Hamburg - 1948.”
11
“My friends grandfather and his twin brother showing their acrobatic skills at the top of the pyramid (1954).”
12
“Having a smoke during trapeze practice in 1949.”
13
“Although This Photo Looks Photoshopped, This Is Actually Real!!! Aerial Acrobatics, 1925.”
14
“My grandpa performing his solo trapeze act circa 1965, 5 years before experiencing a fatal fall while performing the same routine.”
15
“John Lennon and his son Julian watch a trapeze artist at the Rolling Stones Rock and Roll circus along with Yoko Ono, Brian Jones, Mitch Mitchell, Keith Moon, John Entwistle, Charlie Watts, Bill Wyman, and Eric Clapton. 1968.”
17
“My bada— grandfather showing off his acrobatic skills to impress girls, 1950s.”
18
“My mom and aunt were acrobats and contortionists. When I was young there were lots of pictures of them performing, this is the only one I've dug up so far. Circa 1954.”
19
“Circus acrobats in London, 1953.”
20
“Acrobats, Japan, 1880s.”
