When most people see contortionism for the first time, their reaction is often one of shock or disbelief: how is that even possible? The performance art, which involves twisting the body into poses ...

I tried a beginner contortion class from a professional contortionist. Here's what I learned, including her favorite must-have products for performance.

Contortionist Aleksei Goloborodko performs in the Cirque du Soleil show Luzia during the premiere in New York City.