Contortionist in a twist

A circus contortionist fell victim to his unique skills when no-one believed his cries for help after he got his foot stuck on his shoulder.

The 21-year-old Russian born star, known by his stage name Berkine, lay in agony when, for the first time, he became locked in one of his famous positions.

Despite his pleas for assistance, colleagues who watch him bend and twist into impossible poses every day, assumed the performer was joking.

It was frightening because it was really hurting me and because I just could not move

Berkine, contortionist

It was only when he failed to move for several minutes during a practice session at a Kent leisure centre, that fellow members of the Netherlands National Circus realised something was wrong.

After an internet search for help, osteopath Harinder Gowal was called to the Black Lion Leisure Centre in Gillingham, where the circus is currently set up and managed to free Berkine.

'He was serious'

Berkine, who started training as a contortionist aged six, had the rest of the day off, but managed to perform as usual in Wednesday evening's show.

He said: "I think the problem was that I did not warm up very well.

"I just became stuck. I could not move. It was frightening because it was really hurting me and because I just could not move.

"I was trying to free myself. I shouted for help but at first no-one would believe me. I asked again and they did help me."

Circus producer Chris Barltrop said: "Because the guys watch Berkine every night they thought he was joking at first but then realised he was being serious.

Body twists

"We had two main worries. Firstly for Berkine, because he is a real star who has unique skills.

"Most contortionists move in a symmetrical way but he can twist his body, which is how his right foot was over his left shoulder.

"Our second worry was, rather selfishly, that one of our star acts may not be able to perform. But he did thankfully."