 |
 NIKE AIG Manchester Size L Fitdry Soccer Football Jersey Shirt Maillot $17.99 Time Remaining: 28d 21h 55m Buy It Now for only: $17.99 |
 Messi Argentina Barcelona Shirt Jersey Camiseta Maglia Maillot Home WC 2006 $54.99 Time Remaining: 9h 52m |
 LOTTO AS Saint Etienne Sz L CASINO France Football Soccer Jersey Shirt Maillot $16.99 Time Remaining: 27d 6h 32m Buy It Now for only: $16.99 |
 Messi Barcelona Argentina Shirt Jersey Maglia Maillot Match PLAYER ISSUE UEFA CL $244.99 Time Remaining: 5d 10h 50m |
 MINT AUTHENTIC ADIDAS FFF FRANCE FOOTBALL JERSEY SHIRT MAILLOT MENS M 006 $19.99 Time Remaining: 12d 18h 26m Buy It Now for only: $19.99 |
 Messi Barcelona Shirt Jersey Maglia Maillot Match Club World Cup PLAYER ISSUE $349.99 Time Remaining: 5d 10h 54m |
 NIGERIA Africa vintage Football Soccer Home Jersey Shirt S Nike trikot maillot $26.99 Time Remaining: 19d 3h 58m Buy It Now for only: $26.99 |
 Zidane Real Madrid France Shirt Jersey Maglia Maillot Porte Player MATCH UN WORN $129.99 Time Remaining: 5d 10h 58m |
 MENS M LS GC VTG AJAX AMSTERDAM JERSEY SHIRT TOP MAILLOT HOLLAND KNVB UMBRO $29.99 Time Remaining: 20d 18h 20m Buy It Now for only: $29.99 |
 Messi Barcelona Barca Argentina Shirt Jersey Maglia Maillot Home 06 07 $64.99 Time Remaining: 5d 11h 3m |
 VINTAGE ERIMA FOOTBALL SHIRT RETRO TRIKOT MAILLOT CAMISA CAMISETA 80S L LARGE $39.27 Time Remaining: 11d 11h Buy It Now for only: $39.27 |
 Zidane Real Madrid France Shirt Jersey Maglia Maillot Away 05 06 $64.99 Time Remaining: 5d 11h 8m |
The History of the Ballet Leotard
The ballet leotard first became famous by the French acrobat Jules Léotard. Jules Léotard is best known through the song "The Daring Young Man on the Flying Trapeze", for whom it was written for. These garments usually feature a skin-tight covering for the torso, while leaving the legs free. This freedom of movement is perfect for anyone who practices acrobatics, dance, and aerobics. Dancers and acrobats usually pair the leotard with tights to cover their legs and keep the muscles warm.
The name "leotard" only became used in the year 1886. Even when the garment was worn by Jules Léotard, he referred to it as a maillot. The world "mailott" translates to meaning a form of tight-fitting clothing. In the early 1900's, leotards were worn mainly by acrobats in the circus. They were very rarely seen anywhere else. Dancers at the time wore their own form of clothing when dancing. In the early 1920's, leotards began to be worn by dancers on Broadway. The showgirls of Broadway often paired the leotard with stockings. This amazing garment allowed easier flow and movement for otherwise complicated dance routines.
During the 1950's, leotards were mainly worn only by those who performed on stage. It wasn't until the 1960's that the ballet leotard began to surface. Ballet leotards began to come in a wide range of styles and colors to accommodate the ever-changing dancer. Dancers found these articles of clothing to be very comfortable to wear while allowing free-flowing movement of the legs and feet. Pairing the leotard with wool stockings or leg warmers were a popular way to keep the leg muscles warm while dancing. The 1980's proved to be a popular generation for leotards. These garments were often worn as casual clothing. Women often paired a leotard top with skinny jean pants.
Today, the ballet leotard is the most widely accepted dance uniform available. These amazingly versatile pieces of clothing come in an array of different colors and styles. As fashion styles change throughout the generations, so to does the ballet leotard. Leotards should always be skin-tight to prevent any snagging when the dancer is performing. The ballet leotard can be worn with a tutu, t-shirt, or even worn under pants. Both men and women can wear a leotard when performing. Gymnasts, ice skaters, and acrobats may all wear leotards. There is really no difference in the style between a gymnast's leotard and a ballet leotard. These garments continue to grow even more popular with time.
About the Author
Need a leotard? Visit
Leotards UK
to see our full collection of leotards in a wide range of styles and colors.
Dance Clothes UK
has dance clothes and leotards to suit all. Why not take a look?
Exclusive preview of brand new 2010 Algeria hockey shirt - maillot Algérie - AAIIH