contortionists
Extreme flexibility performers
Contortionists are performers who bend and twist their bodies into extreme positions—folding themselves into boxes, wrapping limbs around their torsos, or bending backward until their head touches their feet.
The skill requires unusual flexibility, often developed from childhood training.
Figuratively, someone doing mental contortions or verbal contortions is twisting logic or language to justify a position: The lawyer's contortions to explain the discrepancy convinced no one.
Capacity to curve
- limbernessBodily flexibility
- supplenessCapacity to bend easily
- double-jointedHaving unusually flexible joints
- hypermobilityExcessive joint flexibility
backbend · splits · dislocate · elasticity · pliability · stretchability · flexibility · range of motion
Main circus tent
- sideshowSecondary carnival attraction
- ringmasterCircus performance director
- acrobatsPerformers of athletic feats
- trapezeSuspended acrobatic bar
aerialists · tumblers · carnival · vaudeville · cabaret · spectacle · costumes · sequins
Deed or performance
- routineRegular sequence of actions
- stuntDangerous feat for spectacle
- showmanshipSkill at impressive presentation
- spectacleVisually striking event
entertainer · performer · stage · spotlight · costume · audience · applause · touring
Intense sudden wonder
- wonderAmazement or curiosity
- aweReverent fear and wonder
- disbeliefRejection of truth claims
- gaspsSharp sudden breaths
jaw-dropping · incredible · impossible · unbelievable · speechless · marvel · fascination · shock
bendiness
Capacity to curve
- limbernessBodily flexibility
- supplenessCapacity to bend easily
- double-jointedHaving unusually flexible joints
hypermobility · backbend · splits · dislocate · elasticity · pliability · stretchability · flexibility · range of motion · hyperextension
big top
Main circus tent
- sideshowSecondary carnival attraction
- ringmasterCircus performance director
- acrobatsPerformers of athletic feats
trapeze · aerialists · tumblers · carnival · vaudeville · cabaret · spectacle · costumes · sequins · spotlight
act
Deed or performance
- routineRegular sequence of actions
- stuntDangerous feat for spectacle
- showmanshipSkill at impressive presentation
spectacle · entertainer · performer · stage · spotlight · costume · audience · applause · touring · troupe
astonishment
Intense sudden wonder
gasps · jaw-dropping · incredible · impossible · unbelievable · speechless · marvel · fascination · shock · cringe
training
Developing abilities through practice
- practiceRepeated work toward mastery
- disciplineTrained self-control or specialty
- masteryComplete skill or control
technique · precision · control · balance · strength · coordination · agility · grace · artistry · conditioning
- entertainerssingers, actor, dancers, actress, musicians
- circuscircus, big top, clown, clowns, ringmaster
- carnivalparade, costume, float, ferris wheel, roller coaster
- circus acrobaticsacrobats, trapeze, trapeze artists, flying trapeze, tightrope
- folk entertainmentfolk dancing, folk theater, busking, street performance, street theater
- vaudevillevaudeville, variety show, variety act, music hall, headliner
contortionistsrobots
Programmable mechanical agents
automatons · tin men · marionettes · bodybuilders · powerlifters