Contortion on Television - Pina Conti in "Beastmaster" [2000]

Hello and Happy New Year from The Blink Age. Today we're excited to bring an almost unheard-of tv performance of contortion back from the blink, featuring Australia's very own Pina Conti.

Before unpacking the artist, a bit of context is required to understand what exactly you're looking at. In this edit of the niche Canadian-Australian television show called "Beastmaster", Conti plays the role of a contortionist in a travelling troupe of performers. From the late 90s to the early 2000s, it was quite the trend for many shows of all genres to include an episode set at a carnival, freakshow or travelling circus (We're still trying to figure out why). This troupe is attacked and captured by evil slavers and it becomes the protagonist's mission to free the performers (S01E12 - "The Slayer")

Conti herself rose to prominence in 1985 when she appeared on an Australian Domestic talent show "New Faces" performing an iconic routine (available through searches on Youtube, though we will be releasing our own cut/remaster for future-proofing), but her first breakthrough came up to five years prior to this, as Conti's contortions were featured on billboard and print ads for the "Second Skin" brand of pantyhose with the tagline 'For Working Girls in Any Position'. As we roll out more video essays by mid 2021, this will be explored in depth.

Few words can enhance the experience of seeing Pina Conti in motion, even in the context of the 90s television screen. Her unique style places great focus on the waist section of the spine above others, creating the distinct hairpin fold that she became known for throughout her entire career. Those who appreciate a more athletic look at contortion will likely find the exposed ribcage a point of interest as on more than one occasion the tension of the stretch is emphasized there.

And so, we hope you enjoy this fun little clip to start your year off right!

(As usual, The Blink Age owns NONE of the material presented, and presents it only for historical and educational purposes.)

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