How to become a contortionist

How to become a Contortionist

While formal education can offer structured training and help you develop a well-rounded skill set, it is not the sole pathway to becoming a contortionist. Many successful contortionists have acquired their skills through practical training, workshops, self-study, and real-world performance experiences. What matters most is a strong dedication to training, a passion for the art, and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.

Start with Basic Fitness
Develop a foundation of strength, flexibility, overall fitness, and body awareness. Engage in regular physical activity, such as strength training, cardio exercises, and flexibility exercises focusing on key areas like the shoulders, back, hips, and legs. Consider taking anatomy and physiology courses to better understand the mechanics of the human body, and yoga and Pilates classes to further build the physical attributes that a professional contortionist must possess.

Find a Contortion Training Facility
Seek out reputable contortion coaches or attend contortion classes offered by circus schools, gymnastics facilities, or dance studios. These programs provide structured training and guidance to help you develop the necessary skills and techniques.

Learn the Basics
Enroll in beginner-level contortion classes to learn the fundamental techniques of the performance art. Focus on building body awareness, coordination, and core strength.

Gradually Increase Flexibility
Consistency is key when it comes to increasing flexibility. Work on stretching regularly, on different transitions and poses, incorporating both static and dynamic stretches. Over time, your body will adapt and become more flexible. Remember to listen to your body and never force a stretch beyond your limits to avoid injury.

Expand Your Skill Set
Consider exploring other related disciplines, such as aerial acrobatics, to broaden your skill set and enhance your versatility as a performer.

Seek Mentorships and Performance Opportunities
Look for opportunities to apprentice or work closely with experienced contortionists. Participate in student showcases, local events, talent competitions, or join community performance groups. Performing in front of an audience will allow you to demonstrate and hone your skills and help you develop stage presence, confidence, and adaptability as a contortionist.

Build Your Physical and Mental Resilience
Contortion can be physically and mentally demanding. Practise self-care, rest, and recovery to prevent injuries and maintain your overall well-being. Increase your mental resilience to handle the challenges and risks associated with contortion performances.

Create a Professional Network
Connect with fellow contortionists, instructors, and professionals in the field. Attend workshops, festivals, or industry events to expand your network, learn from experienced performers, and explore collaboration opportunities.

Consider Formal Education
While not mandatory, pursuing formal education in theatre arts, fine arts, dance, yoga instructor certification, personal training, or circus arts can provide a more comprehensive training experience and help you refine your skills and artistic expression.

Comprehensive circus arts programs are often more likely to be offered by standalone schools versus performing arts institutions. Here are some sample classes from a two-year circus arts curriculum:

• Circus Discipline
• The Ensemble
• Movement
• Theatre
• Circus through the Performative Lens
• Circus from the Technical Perspective
• Circus Producing and Production Management
• Theory, Practice, and Analysis of Performance
• The Student Devised Piece
• Action, Reaction, and Creation
• Movement and Composition

The typical circus arts program involves a collaborative process between the student and staff, leading to a decision about which circus discipline is suited both physically and creatively to that person. The following are the most commonly taught contortion skills:

• Frontbending skills involve folding forward at the waist with the legs straight, or placing one or both legs behind the neck or shoulders with the knees bent (called a human knot).
• Backbending skills include touching one's head to one's feet, or all the way to the buttocks (called a head-seat), while standing, lying on the floor, or in a handstand. A Marinelli bend is a backbend while supported only by a grip at the top of a short post that is held in the mouth.
• Splits and oversplits (an oversplit is a split of more than 180 degrees) may be included in frontbending or backbending acts. An oversplit may be performed while the feet are supported by two chairs or by two assistants.
• Enterology, also known as ‘body packing,’ is the practice of squeezing one's body into a small, knee-high box or other contained space which initially appears to audiences as being too small to contain the performer.
• Dislocations of the shoulders or hip joints are sometimes performed as a short novelty act by itself. One example, referred to as ‘bone breaking,’ is lifting the arm to the side until it passes behind the head and lies across the top of the shoulders.

Professional Organizations
There may not be professional organizations dedicated exclusively to contortionists, but several broader entities encompassing circus arts or contortion provide support, resources, and community for those in the field. These associations can be valuable for networking, professional development, and staying connected with the wider circus arts community. Here are a few notable examples:

• International Contortion Convention (ICC) is an annual event that brings together contortionists, coaches, and enthusiasts from around the world.
• International Association for Dance Medicine and Science (IADMS) is an organization dedicated to promoting the health, well-being, and performance of dancers.
• American Circus Educators (ACE) is an organization focused on circus arts education, encompassing performers, educators, and enthusiasts.
• American Youth Circus Organization (AYCO) promotes the participation of youth in the circus arts.
• Circus Now is a global organization that advocates for contemporary circus arts and supports artists in the field. It promotes circus as a vibrant and evolving art form.
• Circus Talk is an independent circus resource center to unite the worldwide circus under one virtual tent.
• World Circus Federation (WCF) exists for the sole purpose of preserving circus traditions for future generations.
• European Federation of Professional Circus Schools (Fédération Européenne des Écoles de Cirque Professionnelles – FEDEC) is a European and international network of about 70 member schools supporting the development and evolution of training, teaching, and creation in circus arts education.
• The UK Circus Network was created to support the circus community throughout the United Kingdom and in particular ‘to be the UK’s Youth Circus Umbrella.’