A Few Terms All Contortionist Should Know:

active stretching (also called: static-active stretching)
A method of increasing active flexibility in which a pose (such as a high lift of the leg) is assumed and then held using no assistance other than the tension in the muscles opposing the muscles being stretched. This type of flexibility is most useful for movement.

acrobatics
A general term for skills requiring significant body control (balance, strength, and/or flexibility). Commonly seen in circus performances, and perfected by popular troupes from China and Mongolia. This term describes some of the slower, more controlled elements in the sport of gymnastics, like the walkover (See: "walkover"). See also, "sports acrobatics".

contortionist (also called: bender; frog; kinker; Limber Jim; posture-maker; posture-master; posture-mistress; rubber man; India rubber man; plastic acrobat; snake-man; snake-woman)
An acrobat who specializes in bending the body into unusual postures.

Durvasa's pose (also called: crane pose) [From East Indian sage, Durvasa, who supposedly assumed this pose during his years of penance]
To stand on one foot with the other leg lifted in front and placed behind the neck or shoulders. [Note: some yoga manuals say that this is a crane pose, others say a crane pose is a handstand in tucked position.]

Marinelli bend [From contortionist and international theatrical agent H. B. Marinelli (1864-1924)]
A head-seat with the legs extended, performed while supported only by a mouth grip at the top of a short post.