I recently had joy of asking world renowned, American contortionist Jordan McKnight some questions about her phenomenal career as one of the world’s best contortionists. Jordan is an amazing contortionist and when she takes to the stage and performs and showcases her astounding skills, she leaves the audience in awe and mesmerised by what the human body can do. The joy she has on her face when performing is infectious and her smile brings happiness to many. Jordan has had the opportunity to travel the world performing, from Australia to America. She also had the opportunity to work with some of the worlds best performers in multiple different circus’ and train and learn from renowned contortion coach and choreographer Jasmine Straga. Below are her responses.

Q1: How long have done contortion for?

I’ve done contortion for 9 years

Q2: How did you start contortion?

I started because I saw a video online and thought it looked really cool and fun and then tried it and fell in love with the art

Q3: How often do you train and for how long?

I train 5 days a week, 4 hours

Q4: What is your favourite contortion move/trick?

I don’t have a favorite trick, they are all unique in their own way so it would be impossible to choose!

Q5: What has been your best contortion experience?

My best experience is really hard to choose, I would say working with cirque du Soleil or working in Absinthe!

Q6: What is your ultimate contortion goal/dream?

My goal is to keep working in high end shows, and just to continue on my path

Q7: Best advise you’ve received?

Let me think of this one. There’s a bunch of advice my mom has given over the years that I take to heart!

Q8: What does a usual day of training look like?

Cardio fist, stretching, contortion, and then Pilates

Q9: What is your preparation for a performance?

I don’t really have a specific preparation. Other than making sure I’m completely stretched, and have warmed up my skills

Q10: What or who is your biggest motivator in contortion?

The Mongolians! They are the best!

Q11: What goes through your head when you’re doing a contortion performance?

Not much lol. I pay attention the audience and music more than what I’m doing I guess if that makes sense

Q12: Do you get nervous? How do you overcome your nerves?

You will always have nervousness! You just do it, to out there on stage and enjoy it.