
A clown from a traveling circus stretches backstage in Belgium. Dutch photographer Wiesje Peels has followed several circuses in Europe. The photos in her book "Mimus" capture a glimpse of the performers' "hidden life."

A circus performer holds a board covered with throwing knives.

An elephant sits outside a circus tent in Germany.

Circus performers practice a skit in Belgium.

A giraffe enters a circus ring in Germany.

A circus performer backstage in Belgium.

Cats in costume wait to perform with the Moscow Circus.

A clown takes a break backstage.

Horses line up for a performance in Italy.

A masked performer in Belgium.

A dog in costume.

A performer prepares his costume.

A performer holds an instrument in Belgium.