Contortionism involves bending and stretching in incredible ways and requires extensive training. Contortionists are not born flexible and are divided into back and front benders. They use props and perform routines, but avoid dislocating their limbs. Starting young is recommended for those interested in studying contortionism.
Contortion is a movement discipline that involves incredible feats of bending and stretching. Someone who practices contortionism is known as a contortionist; the practice of this extremely physically demanding art requires extensive training and personal discipline. If you want to see contortionism in action, it is often included in stunt demonstrations, especially in circuses, and contortionists sometimes perform on their own in nightclubs and other venues.
Contrary to popular belief, you are not born into contortionism. It certainly helps to be naturally flexible, but people who want to become contortionists need to train extensively. The workout involves a great deal of bending and stretching to develop greater strength and flexibility, along with the development of a performance contortion routine. During training, contortionists often work with people experienced in the field to develop their own unique styles and learn to practice their art safely.
As a general rule, contortionists are divided into two divisions: back benders and front benders. As these divisions imply, some are more flexible when bending forward, while others have spines that bend backward more easily. During their routines, contortionists flex and bend their bodies, often pushing them to their limits as they manipulate limbs and literally writhe into challenging physical positions.
During a contortion routine, a contortionist may use props or work with other contortionists for the purpose of visual interest. Some routines are designed to tell a story that can be sad or funny, while others are simply displays of skill that can be quite beautiful at times. During an amazing routine known as an adagio, for example, a contortionist and partner perform a series of slow movements accompanied by music. Some contortionists are also very good at cramming themselves into seemingly impossibly small spaces.
When you watch a contortion routine, it can be hard to believe that the performer isn’t dislocating their limbs to get into position. In fact, most contortionists try to refrain from dislocating their limbs, as this can be painful and will put stress on the joint; even a dislocated limb cannot bear any weight. Instead, performers rely on incredible levels of flexibility, with highly elastic joints and tendons that are kept extremely flexible.
People interested in studying contortionism are better off starting as young as possible, laying the foundation for a flexible adult body. Studying stunts is a good place to start; if the student shows more interest, he can be sent to a special school for contortionism.
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