Cydnee Abbott has broken the Guinness World Record for the most full-body revolutions in a backbend position in one minute.
At just 11 years old, the young Oakville star has gained international attention since her appearance last year on Canada’s Got Talent, where her performance attracted millions of views worldwide.
With her impressive flexibility, dance skills, and a background in gymnastics spanning over nine years, Abbott is now set to be featured in the 2025 edition of the Guinness World Record Book.
"I started dance when I was two years old and I've been dancing ever since," Abbott said. "During COVID is really when I found all of my flexibility and I would just experiment in the basement, look at social media and try to figure out if I could do some of their moves and put my own flare and flexibility spin on it."
Working to separate herself from other performers, Abbott began to perfect her craft. When the opportunity to be on Canada’s Got Talent came her way, she knew this would be her chance to show her unique skills to a wider audience.
"I performed a solo; it was an amazing opportunity and I was really grateful to be on the show," she said.
After Canada’s Got Talent posted a clip of Abbott’s performance on TikTok, it quickly went viral, racking up 50 million views. This led to an invitation to Italy, where Abbott attempted to break the world record for the most full-body revolutions in a backbend position in one minute.
The previous record of 19 revolutions, held by Zama Mofokeng of South Africa, was shattered in January 2024, when Abbott completed 28 revolutions.
Describing the experience, Abbott said, "It felt amazing, and also the experience was amazing too. Everyone was so kind and helpful and inspirational. I was also very fortunate to have the opportunity to attempt and break the Guinness World Record, but to also be in the 2025 edition of the Guinness World Record Book."
Preparing for the event, Abbott credits her success to dedication and consistent practice.
"It did take a lot of time and dedication and practising in my free time. It took extra stretches and figuring out whether to go right or left."
Abbott explains that the full-body revolutions in a backbend position are a "dance-acro trick" she had practiced many times before.
As for what’s next, Abbott hinted at more to come.
"I might have a few things in my back pocket," she said. "As I grow up, I'd like to do more stuff like this and I'd like to make it a profession. I really want to continue and get some other steps in to just keep ranking up."
