Sonia in her own words

I started to learn contortion 4 years ago because it seemed like an exciting and interesting sport.
I was eager to begin training because I knew that contortion would provide me with an oportunity
to stretch and strenghten my muscles and to develop an extraordinary flexibility. Although I needed
some natural flexibility to begin, my abilities were not evident to the untrained eye and definately not extraordinary.

My trainer, David, showed me a lot of photos about contortion. I enjoyed them all immensely and
learned from every single picture.



We have two training sessions in a week. This and an occasional stretch at home in between these sessions
keeps me in good condition. David makes our sessions exciting by inspiring me with photographs and other
interesting information about contortion. He also keeps the sessions exciting by constantly creating new and
difficult challenges for me. Each lesson we try to do something new, we achieve this by setting short and long
term goals before we begin each lesson.



Besides developing flexibility David exposed me to other forms of acrobatics such as the hula-hoops,
rola-rola, and trapeze.



These additional activities added balance and coordination to my routines.

My first performance was at the senior citizen center. They enjoyed the show a lot because it contained
both a history of contortion slideshow from David and a live performance by me.

I also loved performing there because the audience response was wonderful and I had a lot of fun.
My next exposure to public performing came at the ICC2003 in Koln, Germany. I felt incredibly privileged
to be surrounded by such a fascinating group of artists and trainers such as Albana, Imelda, Georgie, Phil ,
Ska, Gerd, Zlata, Georgina, Svenya, Natalia and so many more. I am so very grateful that Ska presented
me with the opportunity to be the opening act at the ICC2003.



My trainer, David, created the medals for all of the participants of the contortion convention.



I was flattered by the fact that my image was used for these medals. I am very proud and
thankful to David for doing this for me and all of the other performers. I loved meeting all
of the interesting people at the convention. Some dazzled me with their performance and
others with their advice for the future.



Their attention pushed me to continue exceling as a contortionist. After returning I continued
training because I realized how totally amazing contortion is and how priviliged I was to take
part in this art form. I dream about going to the next ICC to repeat this fantastic experience
again. I am excited to see how everyone has improved and to show my own progress. I am
very flattered and thankful that Ska has invited me to have a part on this web site because I
realize that it will go down in the history of contortion. I really like how David treats me because
he is both honest and very encouraging. He deserves commendation for his persistance and
ongoing efforts in contortion and in my training .



Our lessons give me pleasure, great excercise, and a great feeling of satisfaction. I am always
eager for the next lesson because each session brings new opportunities and achievements.
My friends and family are always encouraging me to continue exceling because they see my
progress and how truely wonderful contortion is. My peers and teachers are also very impressed
by me although some of them haven't a clue about contortion. I enjoy occasionally showing off
my talents in school or at other public places.



The reactions of the audience are usually awe and astonishment. I am already so excited for
the next ICC and I hope to see everybody there!!!

Here you can find more photos of Sonia