Flexibility, or a lack of it, finds its way in each and everyone’s life. Daily reminders come when one bends down to tie their shoelaces, squeezes themselves in a narrow airplane seat, or stares at the person behind during a yoga class’ backbend. Regardless of a natural ability to dislocate a shoulder or the gasp that comes with lifting a leg at a 90-degree angle, all can relate to a split or a bridge’s physical demands. A fact that partly explains why contortionists get strong reactions from the crowds and the audience’s vote in TV talent shows. Russian contortionist Alexey Goloborodko goes further by affirming that their acknowledgment of a contortionist’s discipline and endurance is behind this response. “People really appreciate beauty in all its forms and contortion is one of its best symbols. It ain’t about tricks but the beauty of the human body.”

Alexey Goloborodko performs a handstand The 26-year-old sees his craft as a way to build anything with one’s body and appreciates its simplicity and how it seamlessly blends with other movemen...