Jules Leotard first somersaulted off a trapeze at Cirque Napoléon in Paris on 12th November, 1859. His act inspired gymnasts and circus performers the world over - although Leotard is now best remembered as the inventor of the skin-tight outfits he wore on stage. Leotard had abandoned his studies as a lawyer to perfect his circus skills, spurred on by his acrobatic father. He developed his act into a twelve-minute trapeze routine with only a heap of mattresses to break his fall. In this episode, Arion, Olly and Rebecca perve over old photos of Leotard’s physique; reveal how Alvin and the Chipmunks AND Bruce Springsteen have a connection with this day in history; and consider how the leotard evolved from a ‘strong man’ outfit to a girl’s ballet costume… Further Reading: • ‘The First Public performance by Jules Leotard’ (Squaducation, 2020): https://www.squaducation.com/blog/first-public-performance-jules-leotard • ‘THE DRESS AND THE LEGEND: HISTORY AND FUNCTIONS OF A LEOTARD’ (The Vistek, 2020): https://thevistek.com/the-dress-and-the-legend-history-and-functions-of-a-leotard/ • ‘Eddie Cantor - The Man On The Flying Trapeze’ (Columbia Years 1922-1940): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwvqMptS7UA This episode first aired in 2021 Love the show? Support us! Join 🌴CLUB RETROSPECTORS🌴to DITCH THE ADS and get an additional full-length episode each SUNDAY… … Plus, get weekly bonus bits, and unlock over 100 bits of extra content. Join now with a free trial on Apple Podcasts or Patreon and support our show ❤️ The Retrospectors are Olly Mann, Rebecca Messina & Arion McNicoll, with Matt Hill. Theme Music: Pass The Peas. Announcer: Bob Ravelli. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. Edit Producer: Ollie Peart Copyright: Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2025. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
