The art of Mongolian circus in danger

Circus artists from Mongolia have performed all over the world. But their training centre is a hall which is 100 years old. It's going to fall down soon. That's bad news for the future of the circus, which is popular there.

Finding another place to practise is impossible. The artists' former centre became private in 2007. Now it's used for concerts and similar events.

A new circus training centre was promised by the government. Work has gone on for years, but the centre still isn't finished.

Former circus director Gerelbaatar Yunden says new training centres are necessary to make circuses popular again.

Gerelbaatar Yunden: "Once we build the proper circus school facility, it will succeed, and it will be on track to rise again. The government can expect results and success from us. The school facility is not just a fundamental element of reviving the circus - it is also important to correct the long-lost system. Until then, we're going to keep up our spirits and keep fighting."

Meanwhile, the circus school has rented some space outside the capital. Students have to travel by train.

Another problem, says student Bayarchimeg Erdenebayar, is there's little space to practise.

Bayarchimeg Erdenebayar: "Here, everything is complicated and there are a lot of problems. Circus is the art of space, but space is very limited here. It's also difficult to practise in groups. This is what new students also say. We can't practise everything we want to because of the limited space."

Some of Mongolia's most famous performers are the contortionists, who can move their bodies in special ways. Now parents are putting their children in private schools to learn. These children may move abroad in future. 85 percent of Mongolian contortionists have left, and this teacher says it's the government's fault.

Bud Tumurbaatar: "Our own state ignores its talented artists, who deserve more recognition. That's why Mongolian artists are leaving Mongolia for other countries for better treatment and a better income. Basically, our artists are in the hands of foreigners now."

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