Lecture by Patrick S. D. McCartney
The Acrobatic Influence on Yoga: Conjuring a Flexible Approach
In this lecture, I’ll explore how acrobatic performance might have influenced the postures in haṭhayoga. This is still a developing theory, so I approach it with caution. I call this theory the “Contortionist Turn”, which suggests that haṭhayogins may have absorbed acrobatic feats, along with their symbolic meaning, into their own practice. Though there are some references to acrobatics influencing complex yoga postures, serious investigation into these connections is lacking.
Historically, acrobats were revered as sacred performers, believed to have supernatural abilities. They were key figures in ancient rituals, from Mesopotamian and Egyptian ceremonies to shamanic rites, with their daring, dangerous acts seen as divine. Over time, however, acrobats shifted from religious ritual to street performances, often viewed as untrustworthy entertainers.
This decline in respect may explain why the link between haṭhayoga and acrobatics hasn’t been fully explored. In this lecture, I will examine these possible connections across time and cultures, offering insights into why acrobatic postures appeared in haṭhayoga centuries later than expected.
