BROADCASTS.com

Jules Leotard first somersaulted off a trapeze at Cirque Napol\xe9on 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.\nLeotard 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.\xa0\nIn this episode, Arion, Olly and Rebecca perve over old photos of Leotard\u2019s 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 \u2018strong man\u2019 outfit to a girl\u2019s ballet costume\u2026\xa0\nFurther Reading:\n\u2022 \u2018The First Public performance by Jules Leotard\u2019 (Squaducation, 2020):\xa0https://www.squaducation.com/blog/first-public-performance-jules-leotard\n\u2022 \u2018THE DRESS AND THE LEGEND: HISTORY AND FUNCTIONS OF A LEOTARD\u2019 (The Vistek, 2020):\xa0https://thevistek.com/the-dress-and-the-legend-history-and-functions-of-a-leotard/\n\u2022 \u2018Eddie Cantor - The Man On The Flying Trapeze\u2019 (Columbia Years 1922-1940):\xa0https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwvqMptS7UA\nFor bonus material and to support the show, visit\xa0Patreon.com/Retrospectors\nWe'll be back on Monday! Follow us wherever you get your podcasts:\xa0podfollow.com/Retrospectors\nThe Retrospectors are Olly Mann, Rebecca Messina & Arion McNicoll, with Matt Hill.\nTheme Music: Pass The Peas. Announcer: Bob Ravelli. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. Edit Producer: Emma Corsham.\nCopyright: Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2021.\xa0\n#1800s #Person #Fashion #Arts #France\n Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices