Freaks, geeks and strange girls

Performer Lydia Darling's tumblr. Modern sideshow and vintage circus. Glamour, sleaze, showgirls and flesh. Tattoos and fetish. Needles and pin-ups. Geek love. <3

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Amateur gymnast, Laurie Sullivan, shows off over the skyline of Melbourne, Australia, ca. 1950s.  

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Me and beautiful @traumata performing the Human Harp at Skibo Castle, Scotland this weekend! Such an amazing event. Thanks to @rosethorne for the photo and for booking us!

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Source: mjranum

My edit.

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the almost circus and…

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When I was little, I had a book called Conundrum which I was utterly obsessed with. It was produced in conjunction with Cadburys, who had commissioned 12 gold Faberge eggs worth over £10,000 each and buried them in secret locations around the UK. The book held the key to the locations in a series of beautiful, surreal illustrations and somewhat sinister and macabre riddles. I don't know how many hours I spent poring over the book as a child hoping to glean some clue or insight that would allow me to discover where the treasure was hidden. I still have the book, still read it and wonder who found the eggs. Still love this kind of thing. Makes me glad that I was a kid in a time where this sort of thing still happened. #donshaw #nickprice #conundrum #cadburyscremeeggmystery #easter #easteregghunt #1980s #childhood #fantasy #magic #folktales #illustration #book

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Dori Atlantis - Cunt Cheerleaders, 1971

L-R: Cay Lang, Vanalyne Green, Dori Atlantis and Sue Boud

Students of the Feminist Art Program, Fresno State College (now California State University, Fresno), 1970-71

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Ashley-liv Jamieson

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The beautiful Pustra, courtesy of Italian Vogue. Photography by Scott Chalmers. Divine.

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LIFE IS A CABARET: Starring designers Coco + Breezy

Photography by Nick Onken

Styling by Kelly Framel

Makeup by Porsche Cooper

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I am Lydia Darling - this is my performance, please don't remove tags/credits. 

In this interactive live art installation, the performer is connected to a custom-built, flower-decked harp via a series of flesh hooks in her back. The harp is in turn connected to an audio interface with converts the vibration of the string into eerie and beautiful sound - harmonic, orchestral notes which produce haunting and etherial music. A decedent symphony of the flesh, a  meeting of delicate beauty and feminine strength. 

Pictures taken at Torture London, London 2014 used courtesy of Marcus Tucker Photography http://MarcusT.com/

With thanks to Sally Kamelyn, Toby Coe, Joanna Cabral, and Benedict Edwards. 

For more details about this performance or to book please go through my website at www.lydiadarling.com

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Oh my word. 

Thanks to Andromeda Circus and Kit Kat Club Berlin.

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Getting ready for my performance at #torturegarden last night...first time I've used locking hooks #blood #suspension #piercing #performance

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London-based Charleston performance group the Bees Knees having a circus moment! I love these guys, Aila (top bee) is my lindyhop teacher. She's a great dancer and a lovely person. Thanks for letting me repost Bees!

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Circus in Sarasota: 1949 by Nina Leen

How. Is. This. Possible.

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Oh my word, how breathtakingly beautiful. I dream of being able to do this!

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I love this image! Sad clown <3

Performer is the smashing Henry Maynard of Flabbergast Theatre, performing at Cirque le Soir Dubai. 

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Lee Hyori poses for a circus-themed shoot, Voge Korea, May 2013