Women have been involved in circus arts as performers and circus directors since the early stages of the art form, but their contribution to the history of entertainment has been overshadowed by the emphasis on (white) male narratives. Premiere lady of the circus Patty Astley (1741—1803), slack-wire sensation Oceana Renz (1856*–1895), sand-paintress Theresia Rombello (1840*—1908) and circus director Laura Madigan (1849–1918) offered breathtaking demonstrations of skill and courage for enthusiastic audiences across Europe and beyond.