World of Extreme Contortion and contortionism.

Contortion (sometimes contortionism) is an unusual form of art which involves the dramatic bending and flexing of the body.

In general, contortionists have unusual natural flexibility, which is then enhanced through gymnastic training. Amazing feats can be accomplished.

Most contortionists are categorized as either frontbenders or backbenders, depending on the direction in which their spine is more flexible.

Some facts about contortionists:

Some of the skills performed by contortionists include:

• Frontbending skills such as folding forward at the waist with the legs straight, or placing one or both legs behind the neck or shoulders with the knees bent (called a human knot). They may also pass their body through a ring or barrel while in a forward fold.
• Backbending skills such as touching one's head to one's feet, or all the way to the buttocks (called a head-seat), while standing, lying on the floor, or in a handstand. A Marinelli bend is a backbend while supported by a grip at the top of a post that is held in the mouth.
• Splits and oversplits (a split of more than 180 degrees) may be included in frontbending or backbending acts. An oversplit may be performed while the feet are supported by two chairs or by two assistants.
• Enterology is the practice of squeezing into a small box or other container which appears to be too small for a person to fit in.
• Dislocations are performed as a short novelty act by itself. One example is lifting the arm to the side until it passes behind the head and lies across the top of the shoulders.

Contortionism is a fetish for some and a hobby for others.

Interesting Fact:

In the 1800s traveling "freak shows" and circuses were popular in many countries. Among the oddities on display was often someone dubbed "The India Rubber Man," or female, "The Elastic Lady." These contortionists were able to bend their bodies into unnatural positions, much to the amazement of spectators and show attendees.

a great contortionism site I found is called the contortionism home page.