The art of Mongolian circus in danger

Mongolia's remarkable circus artists have amazed spectators the world over, but now authorities are warning that their training centre, a vast 100-year-old hall, is at risk of collapsing. This threatens the future of the nation's best-loved entertainment.

No alternative space exists to train in the art of acrobatics and trapeze. A modern, purpose-made circus venue - meant for both performance and training - was privatised in 2007 but since then, it's only hosted private events and major concerts.

A new venue, promised by the government and specifically designed for circus training, has been under construction for years, but seems no closer to being completed.

Ex-art director of the circus, Gerelbaatar Yunden, believes it's only when artists have proper training facilities that the circus will rise again in popularity.

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."

In the meantime, the circus school's been renting space some distance away from the capital, meaning students have to deal with long train journeys. As one student performer Bayarchimeg Erdenebayer states, the lack of proper space is also problematic.

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."

The contortionists, with their super-flexible bodies, are among the most celebrated performers. With the decline of the state circus school, private schools have been established, as parents hope their children may be able to follow the 85 percent of Mongolia's contortionists who've decided to settle abroad.

Bud Tumurbaatar, a contortionist teacher, says the lack of state support is to blame.

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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