Contortion: A Mongolian Tradition and Legacy
The Art of Contortion
Contortion is a treasured and unique cultural heritage of Mongolian nomads, a traditional art form designed to celebrate the beauty of the human form. It showcases the remarkable flexibility of Mongolian girls and women, incorporating impressive bending and folding postures seamlessly fused with elements of traditional Mongolian dance. Contortion training techniques primarily concentrate on spine flexibility, from the neck to the pelvis, employing a range of back-and-forth bends performed standing, sitting, and lying down. A hallmark of Mongolian contortion is the exceptional talent and flexibility required to execute and master complex positions.
These intricate positions encompass human knots, handstands, forward folds, and various balancing acts, displayed across different contexts. Contortion is divided into two principal classes: backbending and forward bending, each further subdivided. The art form includes solo performances — the fundamental manifestation of Mongolian contortion — as well as ensemble performances featuring two, three, four, or even more artists. Recently, contortion has been choreographed as a spectacular display, utilizing aerial acrobatics and specialized equipment in international circus performances. The presence of contortion in circuses worldwide testifies to its cultural significance and artistic value.
Mongolian contortion is characterized by the depiction and mimicry of Mongolian visual art patterns, achieved through natural flexibility and physical elasticity. These national patterns extend beyond decorative art, embodying the aspirations, wishes, and lifestyle of the Mongolian people. The art form is expressed through fluid movements that encapsulate the serene nature of Mongolian women, often accompanied by the tranquil melodies of the Morin Khuur (horse-head fiddle). It artistically crafts and exhibits the grace of Mongolian women, their nurturing spirit, and their radiant ambitions.
Historical documents suggest that contortion was performed and sustained in royal courts during and following the 12th-13th centuries. Female contortionists, gifted with naturally flexible bodies, learn and flawlessly execute techniques under expert guidance. Mongolian rulers themselves were proficient contortion performers, thereby passing on this legacy through physical demonstrations and verbal instructions.
Despite the continuity of Mongolia’s contortion heritage, this tradition is confined to a select few master performers capable of achieving this extraordinary flexibility. Hence, public exposure to the teaching and practice of this heritage is restricted. Today’s custodians of this tradition in Mongolia are diminishing and aging, leading to Mongolian contortion becoming an endangered heritage. As such, urgent actions are needed to preserve and propagate this rare and precious legacy.
At Flexperform, we are committed to perpetuating this endangered tradition in the most meaningful way possible. We are invested in imparting the training of flexibility and contortion in all its elegance and majesty.
The art of flexibility and contortion is an entrancing, challenging, and transformative journey. Our aim is not only to teach you Mongolian flexibility techniques but also to share our mission of keeping this exquisite art form alive and thriving. Visit us at www.flexperform.com to join us on this journey.
