Nina Van der Pyl

Nina... or the peculiar encounter of two worlds. Nina is at the same time airy, light, fragile, but her world is also dense and profound. She allies flexibility and fluidity as well as asymmetry and rupture. In turn sylphide, mysterious insect, she navigates in-between beauty, strangeness and weirdness. Nina’s world disturbs, questions, seduces. So, who is she really?

At the age of six years old, Nina started doing artistic gymnastics, which she continued until going to university. Passionate about the stars, she studied physics in England and pursued a PhD in astrophysics in Bristol. At the same time, she fell in love with aerial circus: corde lisse, hoop, silks... her training stepped up! As soon as she got her first professional contracts, Nina had to choose: research or circus? She gave up her PhD...

• - Describe yourself in three adjectives

  Dynamic — Carpe Diem girl — Persistent!

• - Becoming a performing contortionist, how did that happen?

  Got lead to it. Used to be a gymnast, then went to university and got sucked into the circus world. Indeed I studied in Bristol UK which is big in the circus scene and started to do aerial. I had an obvious talent in it. I always knew I was much more flexible than my peers but it now became obvious. I then attended a contortion workshop and I knew that was my discipline! I dropped out from the PhD and decided to go back in Paris to do this full time. And here I am, 2 years later!

• - But honestly — what is your super-power?

  My super-power: perseverance

• - Rocket scientist? Really?

  Since I was 6 years old I knew I wanted to study the sky so I went to university and studied physics then astrophysics. Never really wondered about my career path. On the side, I always did gymnastics. I can’t stay still, I’m always on the move. And that’s why when I started my PhD I realised my work would be sitting in front of a computer full time and I just couldn’t...

• - How did people generally react to the fact that you were planning to become a performer?

  My dad doesn’t want to hear about it. As for the rest of my family and friends I guess they aren’t too surprised. I always used to do shows at home. And they’ve always seen me do handstands and gymnastics!

• - What has been your most interesting experience doing contortion so far? Which achievement are you most proud of? What have been your biggest challenges? Are you very strict about your training? Could you please describe some typical things that you need to do to maintain your astounding flexibility

  I train everyday. I guess it’s the key to keep up with the level and go further. As I’m an adult I don’t push myself like crazy as I can hurt myself. I rather train everyday and get better with time. And I listen to my body — key to everything I think! My most incredible experience so far was a contract in England where I had to do some dance as well. Being a good artist is not only about the technique, it’s about how you link movement. I know I still have a lot of work to do but I’m getting better I also train handstands at least 4 times a day. And this is hard, building up the strength!

• - What else do you see yourself doing in five years? Or at least the next few months?

  My next contortion goals are mastering one hand handstands as for contracts I hope to travel around the world!