Contortion (sometimes
contortionism) is a performance art in which performers showcase their skills of extreme physical flexibility. Contortion acts often accompany
acrobatics,
circus acts, street performers and other live performing arts. Contortion acts are typically performed in front of a live audience. An act will showcase one or more artists performing a choreographed set of moves or poses, often to music, which require extreme
flexibility. The physical flexibility required to perform such acts greatly exceeds that of the general population. It is the dramatic feats of seemingly inhuman flexibility that captivate audiences. In some countries such as
Russia and
Mongolia contortion holds special cultural significance.