Interview with Khadia

Performers
Photo by Dannii Jo Photography

Hello Khadia, would you like to introduce yourself?

My name is Khadia and I am 10 years old. At the moment I am going to school and I also attend a youth circus alongside my contortion training.

Where did you grow up? What is your background with contortion?

I am from Bristol UK and I have been practicing contortion since March 2021.

What got you interested in Contortion to begin with?

I first became interested in contortion when I saw some videos of performers on YouTube so I wanted to give it a try!

How long have you been performing?

My first performance was in October 2021 in Pixie Le Knot’s Contortionists show in London, which featured lots of amazing artists.

What have been your biggest challenges as a performer?

My biggest challenge was getting used to performing in front of an audience and having so many people watching me on stage. I had also never learned a routine before so this was very new to me!

Photo by Dannii Jo Photography

What or which performance was most memorable to you?

I really enjoyed taking part in Pixie Le Knot’s Contortionists show as I was able to meet so many talented performers and I made lots of bendy friends.

How would you describe your performance style?

I like to think my performance style is funky and unique.

Are you performing with a show or solo currently?

No not at the moment, I am practicing for my first ever dance competition. I hope to be able to perform soon!
Photo by Liam John

What is the best piece of advice you’ve received in your career so far?

To push the limits and try new things. Also to work hard on core strength as well as flexibility to make sure I can do bendy things for a long time.

What advice would you give young people trying to get into performing?

To follow your dreams and don’t let anything hold you back. Also to find a good coach who can guide you.

Do you have a coach currently?

Yes I train with Pixie Le Knot who is a fantastic contortion coach.

What does your daily/weekly training schedule look like?

I try to stretch every day and I have classes twice a week.

What does your typical day of training look like?

I stretch in the morning before school and after school too! I try to practice the tricks which I am trying to learn every day.

What is a trick that you’re trying to learn at the moment? How is it going?

I am trying to improve my hand balancing and have more control. This is something I find tricky but I am gradually getting better with practice.

What or who is your biggest inspiration?

I like Anna McNulty and Sophie Dossie as they are both really talented and flexible. Pixie Le Knot is also a big inspiration to me.

What is contortion to you?

Contortion to be is being able to do amazing bendy things and make people say ‘wow!’. It also gives me confidence, focus and discipline.

Interview with Khadia

Performers

We asked some questions to a young British performer from Bristol who is just getting started with her career

Photo by Dannii Jo Photography

Hello Khadia, would you like to introduce yourself?

My name is Khadia and I am 10 years old. At the moment I am going to school and I also attend a youth circus alongside my contortion training.

Where did you grow up? What is your background with contortion?

I am from Bristol UK and I have been practicing contortion since March 2021.

What got you interested in Contortion to begin with?

I first became interested in contortion when I saw some videos of performers on YouTube so I wanted to give it a try!

How long have you been performing?

My first performance was in October 2021 in Pixie Le Knot’s Contortionists show in London, which featured lots of amazing artists.

What have been your biggest challenges as a performer?

My biggest challenge was getting used to performing in front of an audience and having so many people watching me on stage. I had also never learned a routine before so this was very new to me!

Photo by Dannii Jo Photography

What or which performance was most memorable to you?

I really enjoyed taking part in Pixie Le Knot’s Contortionists show as I was able to meet so many talented performers and I made lots of bendy friends.

How would you describe your performance style?

I like to think my performance style is funky and unique.

Are you performing with a show or solo currently?

No not at the moment, I am practicing for my first ever dance competition. I hope to be able to perform soon!
Photo by Liam John

What is the best piece of advice you’ve received in your career so far?

To push the limits and try new things. Also to work hard on core strength as well as flexibility to make sure I can do bendy things for a long time.

What advice would you give young people trying to get into performing?

To follow your dreams and don’t let anything hold you back. Also to find a good coach who can guide you.

Do you have a coach currently?

Yes I train with Pixie Le Knot who is a fantastic contortion coach.

What does your daily/weekly training schedule look like?

I try to stretch every day and I have classes twice a week.

What does your typical day of training look like?

I stretch in the morning before school and after school too! I try to practice the tricks which I am trying to learn every day.

What is a trick that you’re trying to learn at the moment? How is it going?

I am trying to improve my hand balancing and have more control. This is something I find tricky but I am gradually getting better with practice.

What or who is your biggest inspiration?

I like Anna McNulty and Sophie Dossie as they are both really talented and flexible. Pixie Le Knot is also a big inspiration to me.

What is contortion to you?

Contortion to be is being able to do amazing bendy things and make people say ‘wow!’. It also gives me confidence, focus and discipline.

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