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Contortion Explained

 

Contortion is an art form which displays extreme flexibility, beauty and control over one's body. Contortionists are able to bend and flex their body into positions that are beyond the scope of the normal range of motion joints are able to flex.  Contortionists are often born with a somewhat limber body to begin with; however, it is important to note that contortionists are not naturally born with this flexibility.  The flexibility that contortionists are born with is then developed throughout years of training.  Contortionists are exceptionally flexible because they train their joints to move through its full range of motion.  A contortionist is not double jointed, this is a misunderstood myth.

            Contortionists are not only extremely flexible, but strong as well.  Many contortion poses are done on the hands and/or elbows.   Incredible strength, balance, and endurance are needed to correctly master these poses.

            An individual who is training in contortion attempts to master maximum joint flexibility throughout the body.  The area of the body that is focused on most is the spine.  The spine has the ability to bend completely forward or backwards.  Some students of contortion train mainly with forward bends and others with backbends.  Flexibility of the spine is critical for a contortion act; the spine holds the body together and needs to be flexible and strong to ensure the success of difficult poses.  It is also important to understand a contortionist must have incredible upper body strength to perform many contortion poses.

            Contortion training may begin at a very young age, or they may begin at an older age.  It is not uncommon for contortionism to run in a family.  A parent may perform contortion then train their child or children at a young age.  Some students of contortion may even attend contortion training at an institution.  Male or females alike perform contortion.  Within society today; however, contortionists are more often thought to be female.

            After a student of contortion has achieved a high level of success, the person will often perform under some type of medium.  Circus acts are generally the stereotypical idea of where a contortionist would perform.  Indeed most contortionists in the past performed in circuses.  Contortion is still a part of circuses; however, today it can also be seen anywhere from the street corner, commercials, TV talent shows, and movies.  Contortion is also linked/associated with the practice of yoga and gymnastics. 

            Contortion has been around for centuries appearing in many different venues.  It is a way to display the body as a work of art.  It is an art form that requires intense training and patience.  Contortion can be used to appeal and evoke different emotions depending on the type of performance.  More recently, contortionists are gaining recognition and appreciation that contortionists in the past were denied.