Jules Léotard

French acrobat

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June 30, 2026

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Jules Léotard was a French acrobat and aerialist who invented the flying trapeze in 1859. He is also credited with inventing the close-fitting, one-piece garment that bears his name: the leotard. This garment is worn by dancers, acrobats, and aerialists.12

Acrobatics, the art of jumping, tumbling, and balancing, has ancient roots, with ropedancing tracing back to ancient Greece. The invention of the flying trapeze and daring feats like Charles Blondin's tightrope walk across Niagara Falls significantly boosted public interest in aerialists and acrobats in the mid-19th century. Acrobatics became a staple of the circus and is related to modern gymnastics and theatrical performances.31

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Acts of skill
…invented by the French acrobat Jules Léotard in 1859. That same year another Frenchman, Jean-François Gravelet (stage name “Blondin”), crossed Niagara Falls on a tightrope. These events excited public interest in the work of the aerial gymnast and acrobat. By the turn of the 20th century, acrobatic acts had grown…
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…invented by the French acrobat Jules Léotard in 1859. That same year another Frenchman, Jean-François Gravelet (stage name “Blondin”), crossed Niagara Falls on a tightrope. These events excited public interest in the work of the aerial gymnast and acrobat. By the turn of the 20th century, acrobatic acts had grown…
Read More