I had the pleasure of asking the incredible Ukrainian contortionist Maria Floka some questions about her journey as a contortionists. Maria 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 mesmerized by what the human body can do. She is one of a select few Ukrainian contortionists who have learnt how to do the Marinelli Bend. Maria is an incredible performer and has an incredible future ahead, she had the opportunity at the end of 2021 to audition for Ukraine’s Got Talent. Below are her responses.

Q1: How long have done contortion for?

II have been doing it for 8 years

Q2: How did you start contortion?

Being engaged in circus art, performing various acrobatic elements, I began to succeed and I chose this particular type for myself.

Q3: What inspired you to start doing contortion?

Directly, so that there was no inspiration then, I just tried, tried.

Q4: How often do you train and for how long?

I train a lot, I get older more and more drivers in this attachment

Q5: What is your favourite contortion move/trick?

I love to combine flexibility and strength

Q6: What has been your best contortion experience?

The best experience for me was participation in a talent show

Q7: What is your ultimate contortion goal/dream?

I have many goals that I want to use in this transport and conquer new heights.  I dream of a future hero in the best circuses in the world, Cirque Du Soleil

Q8: Best advise you’ve give someone interested in contortion?

I can say that you always need to listen to yourself and your desire, then everything will work out

Q9: Best advise you’ve received?

It is precisely in this that I respect the advice of professional artists that I receive, they satisfy me, and almost everything that is important is not to give up, even if something does not work, the main thing is to try and try

Q10: Biggest contortion inspiration?

Desire

Q11: What does a usual day of training look like?

The very basis is always a good warm-up, after this, the execution of the elements, the passage of the number

Q12: What is your preparation for a performance like?

Well, probably like everyone else.  Make-up, hair, warm-up, a few elements done, and go

Q13: What or who is your biggest motivator in contortion?

My main motivation in everything is my family.

Q14: What goes through your head when you’re doing a contortion performance?

I direct all my attention during a speech to observations

Q15: Do you get nervous? How do you overcome your nerves?

Of course I’m nervous.  I try to fight, but most often, when you go out, everything goes away

Q16: Describe yourself in 5 words

Well, I don’t know, probably kind, stubborn, cheerful, proud, purposeful.