About us
Mongolian contortion is renowned for its excellence in teaching and performance. Since the inception of circus arts in Mongolia, contortion has been elevated to the art of arch, setting it apart with its unique characteristics. This act features complex technical skills of circus discipline of balance and extraordinary flexibility. It combines challenging physical movements with harmonious rhythms, synchronization, and fluid choreography inspired by traditional Mongolian dance. Mongolian contortion has become a work of art admired around the world.
This act reveals the beauty of the human body through exploring and enhancing its flexibility and strength.
In recognition of its significance as a national art form, the Mongolian government honored it in 1971 by presenting the State Award to its master teachers T. Tsend Ayush, D. Majigsuren, B. Norovsambuu were presented with the State Award.
Tsend - Ayush Togoonchuluun
State award winner - People's artist
Majigsuren Dashpuntsag
State award winner - State merit artist
Norovsambuu Begzsuren
State award winner - People's artist“Mongolian contortion repeatedly won gold, silver and bronze medals at International circus competitions.” Bronze Clown '' and “ Silver Clown '' in the world circus competition in Monte Carlo and has appeared in famous circus arenas, variety shows, International TV programs and invited to perform in concerts of famous artists and Hollywood films. They continue to proudly and with dignity uphold the title of “ Ambassador of National art “ on stages across the entertainment world.
Since that time mongolian contortion has expanded, “ Mongolian Contortion Association” was founded in 2003 “ Academy of Mongolian Contortion “ ASA” in 2014, and Mongolian Professional Contortion Association” were founded in 2022. The number of teachers and students has increased each year. Currently, approximately 300 students are studying across 20 training studios and centers located in the capital and other cities throughout the country.
Enkhtsetseg Lodoi, (State merit artist, President of the Mongolian Contortion Association (MCA), Event designer) devoted more than 50 years of her life to the art of contortion. She was the first performance form State circus and the first contortionist to win the “ Prime Prize” at the Cuban International Circus Competition in 1982, and the “ Gold Medal” from the “ 42th Festival Mondial du Cirque de Demain” In 2004, Enkhtsetseg. L worked as a judge at the Festival of Young Contortionists of Mongolia, and in 2023 she served as a judge at the “ Festival Mondial du Cirque de Demain” Since 2006, she has been the founder and executive director of the “ Angels” acrobatic and contortion center. In 2016, she became the President of the Mongolian Contortion Association.
Purevbadam Khad, (Founder and President of "ASA" Contortion Academy, Event producer) graduated from the Mongolian University with a degree in economics and accounting. Following her graduation, she spent over 40 years working as a manager in the Transportation Organization and “ Auto Impex ''. In 2007, she became the chief financial and economic advisor for the '' ASA ''circus.By 2010,Purevbadam Khad, advanced to the role of director of the Mongolian National ``ASA'' circus.In 2014, she founded the Academy of Contortion '' ASA' and currently serves as its President The academy boasts a distinguished faculty, artist Yanjinbileg.B, Narantsetseg.L, and Nomin. Ts who have trained numerous talented contortionists.
With the aim of developing the art of contortion to high professional level the associations and Academy implemented a tasks such as create a unified art policy,carry out research and analyses archive the historical process, promote contortion to the world, unite artists, improve their knowledge and skills and bring the best students to international competitions.
Since 1991, Mongolian contortionists have been performing and living in countries around the world, including the United States of America.
Contortionists who teach in America and European countries primarily work with adults. In doing so, they have developed unique exercise methods based on the fundamental warm-up exercises of Mongolian contortion, focusing on stretching all the body’s joints. These diverse flexibility exercises have sparked significant interest among people from various backgrounds, leading to a growing desire to practice Mongolian contortion exercises.
This has motivated an interest in learning technical skills of contortion and flexibility exercises, known as the “ Mongolian method”, among both children and adults. We have published a book titled ” The art of arch- Mongolian contortion.” It is available in Mongolian under the title "UYAN" and in English under the title "SUPPLE". The English version is being sold on the Amazon trading platform.
In October 2023, "UYAN '' the first Mongolian Contortion Convention (MCC ), was successfully held in Las Vegas, USA. This event brought together Mongolian and international contortion artists and teachers, fostering a shared passion for the art of arch and expanding the global contortion community. The convention also aimed to promote Mongolian culture and showcase the country’s beautiful destinations, inspiring attendees to visit Mongolia.
The MCC gathered contortionists from the United States and the other countries, organizing various workshops and a gala performance. The event attracted over 300 participants, highlighting the need to hold the convention more frequently.
By hosting the second MCC on September 6,7 and 8th 2024, teachers and students of studios and centers across Mongolia, along with individuals from around the world interested in practicing contortion will have the opportunity to gather in the country of origin of art.
During the three- day MCC event, participants will have an exceptional opportunity to learn contortion techniques and flexibility exercises from professional contortionist and experienced trainers. This will be a wonderful time to enhance your skills and knowledge in a supportive and expert led environment.
There will be various programs, including step by step workshops for students and a Gala show featuring the best students from studios, centers and circus schools in Mongolia, as well as students, artists from the USA and Japan.
Welcome to the second MCC - “YUAN”. We warmly invite everyone including enterprises, individuals and professional artists, who share a passion for this beautiful art, to contribute to the development of contortion as a treasured part of our National culture.
This convention promises to be an experience like no other, where the magic of contortion will come alive* leaving you cherished memories and deeper appreciation for the art.