World Leotard Day

[Kevin Thurlow]

Rejoice! The 12th November is World Leotard Day, honouring our hero Jules Leotard, born 1st August 1838 - died some time in 1870 of smallpox. He was the inspiration for the song, "The Daring Young Man on the Flying Trapeze", and the first to perform a mid-air somersault. He also designed the eponymous garment.

As he said, "Put on a more natural garb that does not hide your best features."

[Charlie Reams]

a mid-air somersault

The previous earthbound somersaults were somewhat more disappointing, having been perfected by hedgehogs around 40 million years ago.

[Phil Reynolds]

The previous earthbound somersaults were somewhat more disappointing, having been perfected by hedgehogs around 40 million years ago.

However, hedgehogs can't wear leotards, for obvious spine-related reasons.

[Alec Rivers]

The previous earthbound somersaults were somewhat more disappointing, having been perfected by hedgehogs around 40 million years ago.

However, hedgehogs can't wear leotards, for obvious spine-related reasons.

And they might look like a frighteningly large virus:

[Kevin Thurlow]

I would define a "mid-air somersault" as one that did not begin or end on the ground, but I agree it looks a bit silly.