The art of Mongolian circus in danger

Mongolia's elite circus performance artists are famed across the globe for their mesmerising displays, but now that authorities have warned their century-old training venue is on the verge of disintegrating, the future of the nation's treasured circus culture is on a knife edge.

Honing acrobatic and trapeze skills in practice sessions is currently a particular challenge since there's no alternative venue. While contemporary, dedicated circus premises exist, intended for both performance and training, 2007 saw the privatisation of these premises, which are now used exclusively to hold high profile concerts and private functions.

Although the government committed to a brand-new circus training centre, it's been a construction site for years and the completion date remains illusory.

Erstwhile circus art director Gerelbaatar Yunden maintains that only bespoke training facilities will reignite the passion for the circus.

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 interim, the circus school's making do by renting practice and rehearsal space outside the city, forcing young performers to endure long train commutes.

Space is at a premium there, something which bothers trainee circus performer Bayarchimeg Erdenebayer.

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 most widely acclaimed Mongolian performance artists are probably the contortionists. As the state school falls into disuse, private establishments have sprung up. These are giving parents of aspiring performers hope that their children may follow in the footsteps of the 85 percent of Mongolian contortionists now established abroad.

For specialist teacher Bud Tumurbaatar, it's a direct result of inadequate state recognition.

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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