Contortion originated from Asia, distinctively Mongolia and China. Eventually, contortionists found their way to the circus sometime around the 18th century. Contortionists could then be found “among the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Congress of Freaks in the 1920s, typically contorting like human pretzels…”(Nickell, p. 167).They were valued by these companies for their freakish abilities and the astounding effect they produced on the audience. Conversely, “contortionists were attracted to the circus arts because of the expressive capability and the enjoyment of physical training”(Ward, p. 3).

 

Back during the golden age of the circus, when it first became popular, “Circuses set up in the large spaces outside of the town, announced their entrance with a grand parade through the town and performed for a week or so before picking up and moving across country again.”(Ward, p. 7). It was an exciting and constantly changing and shifting life for performers with little stability or rest. Nowadays, "circus performers make a career just as other performers do; working gigs when they come about, performing with an established troupe at times, going on tour if the pieces fit, working odd jobs or developing alternate careers until they build a reputation or make the right connections.”(Ward, p. 7). Contortionists are much more commonplace and not as rare as they once were. Performers are able to lead more simple and normal lives. There's no need to constantly be on the move and they can build a life in one place. Contortionists are able to get very creative with where they perform, “at bars and clubs, billing their act in local variety shows, producing their own shows with friends if all else fails”(Ward, p. 7).

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Since circus first became popular, there has been a huge shift in the focus of performance. When circus originated it was much more trick oriented and had a very simple and straightforward structure. As it progressed it has shifted into a true art form and , “Performers now seek more than sheer technical prowess and impressive feats; they utilize the circus arts as a medium for expressive, artistry and creativity.”(Ward, p. 8).

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