Acrobatic flying corset c. 1861-1871 “Corset worn by the ‘flying dancer’ Azella, who began performing as the first solo flying dancer in 1865. Made from heavily boned thick cotton with two thick leather straps centre back pierced with holes for lacing. Attached to the top of the leather straps is a heavy steel catch held closed by a metal spring to which the suspension wire would be attached. Canvas straps finished with leather at the shoulders and hips buckle to straps on the inside (via Corsetry)