Once a staple of the circus, today's contortionists have garnered more interest with Cirque du Soleil shows and acts on "America's Got Talent." Contortion is a physical art form involving dramatic bending, flexing and control of the human body and it offers a new twist on dance. Contortionists can do incredible acrobatic stunts, which seem almost impossible to the average person.
Betsy Shuttleworth is one of the leading contortion instructors in the United States and is owner of Dance Extensions Performing Arts Center in Pittsburgh. She and student Bella Gantt will be visiting Jackson School of the Arts in Jackson, Michigan on Saturday, January 28 for demonstrations and master classes. Most people recognize Bella Gantt as the 10 year old red head who can shoot an arrow with her feet with extreme precision.
Contortion is unique and not all dance schools teach it. Jackson School of the Arts Artistic Director Tony Frazier trains with Ms. Shuttleworth and this fall Jackson School of the Arts offered its first contortion class.
While Shuttleworth has been dancing since age 9, her interest in contortion led her to do research and study through contortion agent and trainer Ska von Schöning to learn the proper techniques for teaching this unusual art safely. Every year she travels with promising students to train in Las Vegas and is a annual participant in the International Contortion Convention.
Betsy's students have auditioned for Cirque du Soleil and Paula Abdul. Her students have been featured on national morning talk shows and have been filmed for commercials including Powerade and Nike. Recently, one of Betsy’s students was hired by the Seyranyan Family Circus and Cirque Productions.
On January 28, 2017 the general public is invited to the lecture demonstration to obverse and learn about contortion and following there are 3 master classes for various levels. Classes are for ages 7 and up and levels are determined by strength and flexibility as opposed to age. Class time are 1:30 - 2:30 PM Beginning Contortion, $20, 2:45- 4:15 PM Intermediate Contortion $25, and 4:30-6:30 PM Advanced Contortion, $30. Instructors are invited to observe one or all classes for $40.
Jackson School of the Arts offers year round dance, art and theater classes for all ages and levels and is the largest provider of arts education programs in South Central Michigan. As part of its mission to make the arts accessible to all children regardless of their financial means, core class fees are based on a sliding fee income scale. To learn more see jacksonarts.org or call (517) 784-2389.
SOURCE: PRESS RELEASE
