THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH, SATURDAY, AUGUST 5, 1950.
WITH PERFECT confidence In each other, the Downies make o dangerous and difficult stunt look easy. The team is in constant motion for twelve minutes during their act high above the ground.
GRACEFUL and shapely as a ballerina, Eve is typical of the aerlalist of today as she breaks into the net with her husband Dee. The three Downies work without a net, depending on their skill and strength
CAUGHT IN THE ACT
THERE are easier ways of earning a living,
pretty Eve Downie will readily admit. But when a girl's in love there is no accounting for her nations. She may "swim the deepest river" and "climb the highest mountain" for her bo- loved-or lung by her neck twice daily, 70 feet high, as Eve does.
Just the other day she made her professional debut as an aerialist at Palisades Park, N. J. After three years of practice with her husband, Dee, and brother-in-law, Bill, they were signed by George Hamid to fill a series of engagements around the U. S.
Before Eve met Dee Downie, even looking out of a two-storey window gave her an uncasy feeling. So after they were married 10 years ago, she continued her career as a tap dancer. During his winter lay-offs, Dee teamed up with her in specialty dance numbers. This went on for seven years, with time out for a baby.
Finally, in 1947, Evo's desire to be with Dee all year round became stronger than her fear of act. height and she began training to join the This called for calisthenics and exercise every day, no smoking and no drinking.
Now Evo is content. She has reached the top-.. both in happiness and at the end of a crossbar.
"CONSTANT struggle for performer is to keep limber. This calls for daily arms, leg and stomach muscle exercises. Aerialists improve with age. Men taper off at 69, women at 40.
AGAINST amusement park background, Eve waves to friend as she enters her trailer- home for dinner. The Downies emt twice a day, hours before they are to perforat.
HANGING by her neck is Evo's most spectacular She practised months with feat barely touching ground bafe going aloft.