CONTORTION FOR EVERY BODY

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New · Quarterly roundup · Oct to Dec 2026

Where to see contortion around the world this quarter: 76 shows, tours and cruises across 7 regions.

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Gildo Gomes in a contortion pose, printed as a halftone

Big tops · Cabarets · At sea · On TV

Featured articles

May 2026: Where to See Contortion This Month — Five Cirque Shows, the Saratov Festival, and Phare in Siem Reap

Five Cirque du Soleil productions, four continents, named soloists in every one. Plus the only female-only circus festival in the world, the densest French independent calendar we've tracked, and Phare nightly in Siem Reap.

Coach interview with Ulziibuyan Mergen

In this interview, Mongolian contortionist Ulziibuyan Mergen discusses her career journey from a young performer with Cirque du Soleil to her current role as a coach specializing in safe, balanced flexibility training.

Contortion as a lifestyle

In this thoughtful article, a Andrei shares a perspective that redefines the art form as much more than just physical flexibility. They describe contortion as a holistic lifestyle that requires a deep connection between mind and body.

What is contortion?

We take a look at generally, what is contortion, some history and how people get into it.

Most recent articles

July 2026 Global Contortion Performance Roundup

From Aleksei Goloborodko bending reality under a Toronto big top to the final Melbourne fortnight of KOOZA's Mongolian trio, July 2026 scatters elite contortion across seven time zones here is where to find it.

Contortion Space

Where to See Contortion This April: 60+ Shows Across Six Continents

April 2026 is stacked. Here's what's on, where, and who's performing — from Cirque du Soleil's touring network to a world-first Pacific Island circus in New Caledonia.

Contortion Space

Where to See Contortion Around the World This March

We look at the contortion performances around the world in March 2026

Contortion Space

February 2026: Bending the Limits: A Global Guide to Contortion Performances this month

This February 2026, the boundaries between circus, dance, and theater have truly dissolved, leaving us with a global calendar packed with breathtaking displays of human flexibility.

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January 2026: Contortion on Stage Around the World

A global roundup of live contortion performance - from festival tents to resident shows, variety theatres, private events, and cruise stages.

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Contortion Highlights in November 2025

The global range of performances in November 2025

Contortion Space

Global Contortion Performances: October 2025

October 2025 brings a worldwide celebration of contortion, with performers twisting, balancing, and redefining flexibility across Cirque du Soleil big tops, international festivals, and contemporary circus stages from Calgary to Seoul.

Contortion Space

Anatomy for Contortionists 101 - Introduction

This introductory guide to anatomy for contortionists explains how understanding the body's structure, bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendonshelps circus artists train more effectively and safely.

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Kids and teens, want to Learn Contortion? Read This First!

Some advice for kids looking to get more flexible

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Circus jobs and gigs

The latest open auditions, casting calls and roles from across the circus and contortion world.

Acrobat Generalist – North American Tour (June–October 2026)

Undisclosed (via Reartix / Pavel Kotov)

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North America (Touring)

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Circus/Acrobatic

Acrobat Duo – Maldives Engagement (Dec 20–Jan 7)

Undisclosed (via TalentSourceLive)

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Maldives

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Circus/Acrobatic

The Land of Legends – Circus Performer Audition 2026–2027 (Turkey)

Rising Stars Talents / Land of Legends Theme Park

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Antalya, Turkey

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Circus/Acrobatic

Knott's Scary Farm – Circus/Acrobatic Talent (Halloween Season)

Six Flags Entertainment / Knott's Berry Farm

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Buena Park, CA, USA

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Circus/Acrobatic

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Contortion coaches

We talk to some of the world's best contortion coaches about their approach and ways to get you started

Coach interview with Ulziibuyan Mergen

Coach interview with Micah Walters

Coach interview with Sebastian Pickering

Coach interview with Andrei Moraes

See all the coachesarrow-right

Contortion Poses

Learn more about the breadth of contortion poses that exists, their families and their difficulty rating

Bridge chair-sit

Bridge chair-sit headsit

Leg behind head while twisted armbalance

A fun progression after leg behind head and the twisted variations have been mastered.

Leg behind head arm balance

Once comfortable with leg behind head a contortionist is able to start playing with different positions and transitions.

Leg behind head

Leg behind head is the act of placing one’s foot or ankle behind the head, neck, shoulder.

Leg behind back while standing

Leg behind back twist

Leg behind back handstand

Leg behind back

See contortion posesarrow-right

What to learn some
awesome tricks?

Find a coach

Let us help you find a great coach for your contortion journey.

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Learn contortion basics

Contortion and flexibility training doesn’t have to be scary or intimidating. With the right mindset and dedication most people can attain a decent level of flexibility. With practice your age or natural inclination to flexibility don’t matter as much.

Take a look at our Getting started with Flexibility page to learn more about this amazing art.

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