Ethel Dare: The Fearless Queen of the Air
Long before wingwalking became a celebrated aviation spectacle, one woman helped define its daring spirit – Ethel Dare. A true pioneer of aerial stunts in the 1920s, Dare made her name as one of the most thrilling and fearless performers of her time.
Originally a trapeze artist with the Barnum and Bailey Circus, Ethel answered an advertisement for a woman willing to jump from an airplane. That bold choice launched her into a breathtaking career of aerial feats that pushed the boundaries of early aviation. In fact, her story closely mirrors that of our very own Kirsten, Professional Wingwalker at AeroSuperBatics, who also transitioned from trapeze artist to wingwalker after answering a newspaper advert!
Among Ethel’s legendary stunts were mid-air handstands, parachute tests, and the iconic “Iron Jaw Spin”, where she would spin mid-air suspended only by a rope clenched between her teeth. Perhaps most famously, she became the first woman to switch planes in mid-air – an act so daring it solidified her place in aviation history.
Dubbed the “1920 Aerial Sensation,” “Queen of the Air,” and “The Flying Witch,” Ethel performed under multiple names due to marriage and a mysterious persona. Some knew her as Ethel Mann Dare or Ethel Gilmore Harris, while others referred to her as Lady Anomar.
Regardless of the name, her legacy is one of boldness, creativity, and unshakable courage. At a time when women were rarely seen in aviation – let alone on top of planes – Ethel Dare paved the way for the next generation of fearless flyers.
She remains a true inspiration to the team here at AeroSuperBatics, with Kirsten, Emma, Jasmine and Libby proudly following in her footsteps – performing breath-taking routines on the wings of our stunning 1940s biplanes around the world.
