Body Carriage and Types
People form an opinion about a contortionist and their act from their personal appearance. For this a contortion needs to stay in a perfect figure and health. A good figure commands attention on and off the stage. A healthy body helps to develop a vitality, energy and endurance which are essential to play a part on the stage.
A contortionist should always try to maintain a proper posture. They should stand and sit in an upright position and should always avoid slouching. A perfect body posture will greatly help them in their performances and acts.
Here we will discuss about some exercises that can give a contortionist the required figure and posture.
1. Toe Squat
Toe squat is a very essential balancing exercise and balancing is very important for contortion. From a standing position, rise on the toes and squat, and then try to swing your arms.
2. Flat-foot Squat
This is a good forward bending exercise and very good for actors in frog costumes especially if they have papier Mache heads. While you are in a squatting position, pass your head and shoulders between your knees till the forearms lie on the floor.
3. Leg freeing
This is a very easy exercise and can be performed very comfortably in street clothes.
4. Jumping over the hands
This is also a balancing exercise. In this you have to make the use of a clothes hanger without the hook.
5. Jackknifing the leg
This exercise can be done both is a sitting as well in a standing position. You have to just bend forward and try to grasp your ankles with your hand.
6. Bending sideways
This is a very good exercise. Stand with your legs a little apart. Take your arms out sideways horizontal and bend over sideways.
7. Twisting
Twisting is one of the most health giving exercises. One should twist to see more than a full circle of walls. It moves all the internal organs with a gentle squeeze. It is great for tuning up the liver and the bowels.
8. Leg stretching
Leg stretching is and excellent exercise to gain flexibility of muscles for contortion performances.
9. The elephant walk
This is a good clown trick and if done properly can they can bring a ripple of laughter from the audience.
10. Forehead stands
These should be practiced with knees inside and then outside, the elbows, and finally without knees touching the arms.
These are some exercise that should be practiced by contortionists.