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The circus just rolled into town and one of the most awaited performances will be the breathtaking aerial feat of the flying trapeze. For as long as we can remember it’s the performance that makes the audience hold their breath in hope that the safety net underneath will not be utilized. Agility, clarity of mind, and quick reflexes has been executed in a performance that exudes with much grace and form. The benefits of a flying trapeze to the human body has been revealed, and soon enough, the art that was once exclusive to professionals, is now a new form of exercise, much more a source of recreation made available to almost everyone. The trapeze school was developed and faster than you can say, “hep!” have become extremely popular. Before you even gather the courage to climb the platform and look forward to your first routine, have you ever even wondered where this graceful form of entertainment originated from? How was it done during its early days? Was the equipment used then as safe as it is now? It’s surprising how much rich history the flying trapeze holds. Here are 5 historical facts about this new activity that more and more people are getting into.
1. Jules Leotard invented this routine in 1859. His father had a gymnasium in Toulouse, France and with the swimming pool to provide a softer landing for an unprecedented fall; Leotard materialized his ideas with a bar attached to ventilator cords located above the water.
2. The first trapeze act was performed in front of an audience on November 12, 1859. Leotard showed his acrobatic invention in Cirque Napoleon in Paris, France. During that time safety nets where not invented, so Leotard performed the flying acts over mattresses that acted as his lifeline in case he fell.
3. Does Jules Leotard’s last name sound overly familiar? Of course it is. A leotard is a popular gym or exercise clothing and is commonly worn for the flying trapeze and other acrobatic performances. His name was eternalized by the invention of this functional piece of clothing. Leotard needed appropriate apparel to perform his flying trapeze act in and in 1959 during his trapeze debut at the Cirque de Napoleon in Paris the first leotard was worn.
4. In 1863, Australia had its first flying trapeze artist. Charles Perry a pioneer in Australia’s oldest circus family, the Perry Brothers Circus.
5. The first triple somersault in a flying trapeze routine was performed in Australia in the late 1800’s by Italian American trapeze performer Alfredo Codonas who was famous for his breathtaking performances. He worked as Johnny Weissmuller’s stunt double for the 1930’s film rendition of Tarzan. Alfredo with his brother Lalo were part of the Australian Wirth’s Circus, which Alfredo left after 13 years to join the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus of the USA.
The flying trapeze has gone through a lot of transformation and innovation from its humble beginnings in a lone gymnasium. It has transcended the gender barrier where world renowned female trapeze artists have emerged. From an activity that once took years of training and mastery is now available to everyone as a form of recreation, exercise and new skill acquisition. The flying trapeze is an enthralling activity that has an equally interesting history to match.
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