Flying Trapeze: 5 Historical Facts You Didn’t Know

The circus has just arrived in town and one of the most anticipated performances will be the impressive aerial feat of the flying trapeze. For as long as we can remember, it’s the performance that has audiences holding their breath in the hope that the safety net underneath isn’t used. Agility, mental clarity and quick reflexes have been executed in a performance that exudes great grace and form. The benefits of the flying trapeze for the human body have been revealed, and very soon, the art that was once the exclusive preserve of professionals, is now a new form of exercise, much more a source of recreation within the reach of almost everyone. Trapeze school developed and faster than you can say, “hep!” they have become extremely popular. Before you even muster the courage to step on the platform and wait for your first routine, have you ever wondered where this elegant form of entertainment originated from? How was it done during its early days? Was the equipment used then as safe as it is now? The rich history that the flying trapeze contains is amazing. Here are 5 historical facts about this new activity that more and more people are getting involved in.

1. Jules Leotard invented this routine in 1859. His father had a gym 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 the fan cables located above the water.

2. The first trapeze act was performed in front of an audience on November 12, 1859. Leotard displayed his acrobatic invention at the Cirque Napoleon in Paris, France. During that time, safety nets were not invented, so Leotard performed flight acts on mattresses that acted as his lifeline should he fall.

3. Does Jules Leotard’s last name sound too familiar to you? Of course it is. A leotard is a popular gymnastics or exercise garment and is commonly worn for flying trapeze and other acrobatic performances. His name was eternalized with the invention of this functional article of clothing. Leotard needed suitable clothing to perform his flying trapeze act 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 was 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 1800s by the Italian-American trapeze artist Alfredo Codonas, famous for his impressive performances. He worked as Johnny Weissmuller’s stunt double for the 1930s film version of Tarzan. Alfredo along with his brother Lalo were part of the Australian Wirth’s Circus, which Alfredo left after 13 years to join Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey. Circus of the United States.

The flying trapeze has gone through many transformations and innovations since its humble beginnings in a lonely gym. It has transcended the gender barrier where world-renowned trapeze artists have emerged. From an activity that previously took years of training and mastering, it is now available to all as a form of recreation, exercise, and acquisition of new skills. The flying trapeze is a fascinating activity that has an equally interesting history to match.

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