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Can anyone start doing Contortion at any age?
I'm practicing Yoga but want to try more advanced poses - is Contortion the next step?
I'm not very flexible yet, but I want to improve. Can this work for me?
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In the US, people that practice contortion are most often associated with circus acts or even freak shows. There is not a lot of contortion in the mainstream public; however, it seems to be gaining popularity.
Rhythmic gymnastics is an Olympic gymnastic category that exploits contortion. Rhythmic gymnastics incorporates gymnastics and contortion along with an object such as a hoop, ball, ribbon, rope, or clubs. Competitors in this sport must follow guidelines on how to use these objects in their routine. Contortion websites and affiliates are often linked with rhythmic gymnastics.
Contortion and aspects of contortion are also found in many yoga practices. Yoga uses flexibility to enhance the awareness of the mind by building strength and endurance within the human body. Contortion and yoga both strive to achieve maximum joint flexibility. Yoga is different from contortion in that it focuses on achieving ultimate peace within the mind; this is done through different asanas (poses) and meditation (yoga philosophy) combined.
Contortion is now appearing in large musical shows; or rather a circus by the name of Cirque du Soleil. Performers, some of which were contortionists created Cirque du Soleil in Quebec in 1984. The first performers of Cirque du Soleil were street performers that got together to offer entertainment using their skills. Along with technological advances, Cirque du Soleil has grown into a world-recognized phenomenon.
Contortion has grown in popularity over the years compared to what is has been; or at least, what it was thought of. It seems extensive research has been done with how to adequately train the body and master high degrees of flexibility. This extensive research can be found in medical journal discussions on joint flexibility. The connection with this research and people interested in contortion is often very weak. There is not enough information; at least in the main street public for individuals to actively pursue this discipline. Interested individuals often resort to sources found on the Internet.
Because contortion acts were mostly associated with the circus, -at least in the US, there is not much written history or documentation. The written history that is available can mostly be found online or in circus museums. There are few, if any college classes that are about contortion or the history of contortion. Few institutions offer contortion training in the US; if this training is offered, it is almost always in combination with gymnastics or circus-related training. Contortion training can also be learned through written manuals, which seems to be the most popular method of training at the moment. Some fortunate individuals may even get the opportunity to train with a professional contortionist.
Without a doubt, contortion has grown in popularity within the US. Perhaps someday contortion will gain the much-deserved respect this discipline deserves.Copyright © 2006, Contortion. All rights reserved.