Born the son of a gymnastics instructor Jules Leotard was destined to a performer of some kind. However, his early years saw him passing exams to enable him to become a lawyer. But at the age of 18 he took a complete change of career path and started experimenting with trapeze bars and similar gymnastic equipment.
He joined Cirque Napoleon and performed for the first time on this day 12th November 1859, exactly 150 years ago. His first appearance was also an historic one. It was the first time a mid air somersault and swinging from one trapeze to another had been performed publicly. His 12 minute act became a sensation and the crowds flocked to see it.
By 1861 his act had moved to London where he performed over the heads on diners. But there are a couple of other legacies that Leotard is remember for along with his daring acrobatic act. In 1867 George Leybourne wrote the song “The Daring Young Man on the Flying Trapeze” which was inspired by Leotard.
But mention the word Leotard today and the garment of that name used by dancers and gymnasts is most likely to come to mind. Leotard himself referred to the one piece garment her wore as a maillot. The term Leotard as as type of garment was not coined until 16 years after his death in 1889.
