Ever since she was four, freshman Meredith Lapidas has been participating in gymnastics and taking dance classes, having no idea that those classes would lead her to find her passion as a contortionist.

Contortion is the act or process of bending, twisting, and drawing out of natural shape. Unsure about what contortionists did, Lapidas’ interest in the art instantly piqued after she watched just one video.

“My friend just showed me a video of a contortionist and I ended up trying the thing she did on the spot,” Lapidas said. “I could sort of do it, so I thought I might as well try it more.”

As Lapidas kept trying new moves and practicing at Simply Circus in Cambridge, her love for contortion and creative freedom grew.

“[Contortion]’s being flexible, but you can add in dance and gymnastics,” Lapidas said. “Most of my performances are by myself, and it’s made me more confident. I carry that confidence with me everywhere.”

Lapidas’s senior brother Vic Lapidas has also noticed how contortion has had a positive impact on his sister’s life.

“I think contortion has made her grow into a more independent person, and that’s really awesome to see as she turns into a young adult,” Vic said.

Although Lapidas has gained a lot of skills from contortion, there have been times that her hobby has caused her stress.

“Last year I got asked to do partner acro[batics], which is like contortion and dance with another person,” Lapidas said. “It’s fun, but it gets pretty stressful. I was really nervous because I had never done it, and it was with a guy so it was just weird at first.”

Lapidas is in the midst of a performance-filled period and looks forward to what will come out of her upcoming debuts. In hopes that even after she graduates she will continue to have a passion for contortion, Lapidas intends to stay flexible for a long time.