WHAT IS CONTORTION?

Contortion is an acrobatic display that involves bending the human body in unique and intricate ways. Contortion was once only seen in circus acts, however, contortion skills are now widely used in many gymnastics, dancing and ice skating routines.

THE HISTORY OF CONTORTION

Contortion was a familiar figure of pictorial and sculptured representations in Egypt, Greece and Rome. This gives evidence that the art was celebrated and practiced from the very beginning of civilization. Contortion has also been found in the Hindu system known as yoga. Mongolian contortion is well known as yoga in countries such as India and China. Front bending and back bending are integral parts in both yoga training and contortion training.  In China flexibility is a basic and necessary skill that is needed for acrobatics, kung-fu, dance and folk operas.

Contortion has been a tradition in Mongolia for hundreds of years. Contortion is also part of the traditional Buddhist Tsam dances and Mongolian plays. In Mongolia contortion has come to be considered an art form rather than just an acrobatic display. Since the 1960's contortion has been strongly developed both technically and choreographically. Contortion acts are often considered top acts in the world of entertainment today. They are considered top acts thanks to the outstanding traditional contortion schools and great contortion masters.

IS CONTORTION FOR EVERYONE?

There will always be those people who are gifted  with greater natural flexibility than others. These people can often do contortion naturally, but often still need training. Mostly young people take up contortion as a profession, however, people of   all ages and levels of flexibility can certainly derive considerable benefits and improve their general health. Practicing stretching and breathing as little as 10-15 minutes each day will dramatically improve health and well-being in as little as 6 months.

WHAT DOES CONTORTION TEACH THE STUDENT?

Contortion teaches the importance of physicality, including: flexibility, artistic presentation, stretching, strength, self-esteem, motivation, balance and breathing. In time the practice of contortion will also lead to a calm and peaceful mind and spirit.

IS CONTORTION SAFE?

When under the right guidance of a highly skilled contortion trainer, contortion is in no way detrimental physically or mentally to the student. It is a highly skilled art form. A contortion trainer must have many years of practical experience as a contortionist themselves, and must be endowed with patience. The trainer must have thorough knowledge of precisely what effect each exercise has on the human body. Professional contortion training should always be taught in a safe, step by step, gradual process.

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