Second Mongolian Contortion Convention
Honor of Guest MCC
Norovsambuu Begzsuren (Winner of the State Award, People's artist of Mongolia), has been a star in Mongolian circus contortion since she started performing in 1959 with her act “Contortion with Vase ". Her natural talent and highly skilled performances have made her a prominent figure in the long tradition of Mongolian contortionists serving as role model and source of pride. She dedicated her entire life to this beautiful art, and trained dozens of talented contortionists, many of whom have won first prizes at International Circus Competitions. As a meritorious artist, Norovsambuu.B enriched the contortion repertoire with numerous works in both classic and modern styles.Her acts are known for their unique compositions, best technical stunts, and distinctive selections
Honor of Guest MCC
Dorjpalam.D, began working as an apprentice contortionist in the State Circus in 1952. In 1956, she graduated from the circus class at the Art school as a contortionist focusing on doing a combination of forward and backward bending. She is known as the pioneer of the forward bending contortionist of the Mongolian circus. The years 1956 to 1960 marked the peak of Dorjpalam’s artistic career. In1957, she participated in the 5th World Students and Youth Festival held in Paris,the capital of France, and introduced Mongolian contortion to the world for the first time. Her performances earned a rightful place in the circus repertoire and made a valuable contribution to the development of future generation contortionists of forward and backward bending. Dorjpalam.D left the circus in 1962, studied medicine at the Medical Institute, became a pediatrician, and retired after working at the 3 rd hospital for many years.
Initiator, producer of MCC
Erdenechimeg - Angelique J has been working for over 58 years,as a professional contortionist, teacher, coach, expert in contortion,and producer and designer of contortion acts.
She has been working in the Cirque du Soleil’ s “ O “ show for 20 years. During this time, she has been teaching contortion to children and adults and continues to do so today.
Based on her years long experience and knowledge, she wrote a book “ UYAN” The art of arch Mongolian contortion, originally in mongolian in 2020 and translated into English 2021. J. Erdenechimeg organized the first time Mongolian
Contortion Convention ( MCC) in Las Vegas, in October, 2023.
General manager of MCC
Tumendelger Boldbaatar, has been interested in circus art since his childhood. He thoroughly learned the art of circus and became a professional circus artist under the guidance of his grandparents, who are famous mongolian circus artists.Tumendelger.B performed in various acts, and toured both in his country and around the world. He was not only a circus artist ; his ability to lead and organize a team and his talent as a manager were revealed while working as a foreign relations specialist at the State Circus in 2003 - 2008, the head of the foreign relations department at the National “ ASA” Circus from 2008 to 2010. - Director of the Ulaanbaatar Circus.
Schedule
Friday, September 06
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09:30 - 11:00 - Opening
Professional development seminar about the “ UYAN” The art of arch - Mongolian contortion book. For contortion teachers, coaches and trainers (B. Norovsambuu, J. Erdenechimeg, L. Enkhtsetseg)
Workshops for foreign students: Trainers: Serchmaa.B, Purevdulam.B, Battseren.N
- Stretching and movement skills (room - 1)
- Technique tricks (room - 2)
- Movements and transitions (room - 3)
Serchmaa Byamba, studied contortion under the guidance of State Award, People's Artist T. Tseng-Ayush. She began her journey towards becoming a professional artist in 1991. Since then, she has toured globally and has won awards at international competitions. In 1998, B.Serchmaa settled in San Francisco, USA, where she began working as a contortion teacher at the Circus School. During this time, she founded and operated the "Mongolian Contortion Center",where she taught dozens of American students the art of Mongolian contortion, effectively promoting this beautiful art.Serchmaa.B is renowned as both a talented contortionist and a dedicated teacher.
Purevdulam.B, known for her act and stage name Heejin Diamond, first learned contortion from the accomplished acrobat Tsetsegmaa.H. Demonstrating exceptional talent and dedication, she started to work as a professional artist in 2005. Soon after, she joined a trio act and performed internationally. Between 2007 and 2009 she toured in Thailand and Mexico. In 2010, she was awarded the “ Bronze Clown” at the World Circus Competitions in Monte Carlo for her performance with the “ Blue Sky girls” contortion act. Later, at the Arthur Honegger Conservatory in Le Havre, France, she perfected her classical training. In 2013, her wax statue entered the Grevin Museum in Montreal. In 2015, her first Solo act was created and directed by Sigrid La Chapelle. It is on a diamond that she reveals to us the multiple facets of a talent polished by long hours of work so that effort gives way to grace. Purevdulam.B opened the first Mongolian contortion studio in 2020, in Paris, France.
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11:00 - 12:00 - Discussions - Interviews - Questions and Answers
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12:00 - 13:00 - Lunch break
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13:15 - 14:00 - "Handstand" competition
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14:15 - 15:45 - Studios presentations
Modern Circus
In 1995, Altanhundaga Gelegdorj, graduated from the Dance department of the Mongolian University of Art and Culture as a choreographer. She then worked as a dancer in the State circus. While working in the circus from 1998 to 2010, she studied various circus disciplines and became a circus artist, performing in aerial and Hoola hoop acts. Since 2010, Altanhundaga.G has opened “ Modern Circus' ' contortion studio.
Mongolian Contortion Center
In 1977, Enkhtsetseg Baltav, became a student of the renowned contortionist B.Norovsambuu, beginning her training in the art of contortion. In 2001,Enkhtsetseg.B transitioned to teaching contortion,and in 2003 she founded theMongolian Contortion Center. Her dedication to training the next generation of contortion bore fruit , when her students won a Silver Medal at the Youth Circus Competition in Mongolia in 2021.
Dorniin Uyanga
Chuluuntsetseg.N, the founder and teacher of the “ Dorniin Uyanga” studio, and the students of Dorniin Uyanga have won the children's festival of the Dornogovi Province ten times and have repeatedly received special awards at the Youth circus festival in Mongolia.
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16:00 - 18:00 - Show rehearseal
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18:00 - 21:00 - Contortion is one of the Mongolian national arts - Entertainment - Event
Saturday, September 07
Artistic director MCC
Yanjinbileg Batmunkh, graduated from Circus School in 1977. During her 47 years working in circus arts, she has not only performed but also worked as an acrobatics and contortion teacher at the circus class of the Conservatory of Music and Dance, Starlight Circus in Switzerland and Smirkus Circus in the USA. In 2010, Yanjinbileg.B founded the “ Pyramid School of Circus Arts”, which provides training in contortion, aerial gymnastics and juggling. The students of the “ Pyramid “ studio have won the “ Silver Colt”, “ Golden Colt” at the Youth Circus Competition and “ Prime Prize” in the 2023 “ Mongolia’s Got Talent” show.
Producer and director MCC
In 1996,Gerelbaatar Yunden began his journey into the circus arts by enrolling in the circus class at the Conservatory of Music and Dance. He graduated in 2000 with a performance of act "Banquine '',marking the start of his career as an acrobat with the State Circus. Over the next five years he successfully excelled in various new acrobatic acts and garnered multiple awards at the International Circus Competition. In 2005, Gerelbaatar.Yu pursued further education at the Russian Institute Theater Arts in Moscow, graduating in 2010 as a circus artistic director. As a talented young director, he has significantly enriched the Mongolian circus scene with innovative Children's circus faire tale programs,including "Jumanji" and " Peter Pan”. His creative approach has brought fresh perspective and vitality to the art form. Gerelbaatar.Yu, has been appointed as the Director of the Ulaanbaatar Theater.
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09:00 - 10:00 - Art - character workshop
- D. Zorigt (Room - 1)
- B. Purevdulam (Room - 2)
Circus, movie - director, producer and author
In 1972, Zorigt Dondog (State merit artist of Mongolia, Producer, creator and director) studied at School of Circus and Variety in Moscow for 4 years, and graduated as an acrobat and became a state circus performer. He achieved great success in numerous circus acrobatic acts. In 1980, he furthered his education in the director's class at the Russian Institute of Theater Arts in Moscow. From 1986-1992, he served as the creator and stage director of the State Circus. Between 1993 and1996, he held the position of director at the "Shandas" circus.
In 1996-1997, while working as a director in the "Soyol Erdene" editorial office of the Mongolian National Television, he introduced many beautiful and innovative themes, and enriched them with his artistic vision. He is the author of the book "Mongolian Circus Years after Privatization" and produced a series of five documentaries about circus art.
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10:15 - 11:00 - Workshops for foreign students
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11:15 - 12:00 - Injury prevention
- Narangua.D - "O" show (room -1)
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12:00 - 13:00 - Lunch break
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13:15 - 13:50 - "Hook foot" pushes up competition
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14:00 - 15:30 - Studios presentations
Angels center
The Acrobat-contortion center "Angels" was established in 2006 by Batbold Yondon a famous circus researcher and acrobat, and Enkhtsetseg Lodoi a well - known contortionist. The artists from the “ Angels “ center's have successfully created shows that combine national culture with modern styles.They have participated in world-famous circuses, theaters, and international competitions bringing home gold, silver, and bronze trophies many times.
Mongolian Circus Development Center
Selenge Tsend - Ochir, graduated from the Circus school in 1976 and embarked on a professional career, mastering various circus disciplines. Among her many performances, her act “ Song of Swans on the Aerial Rope stood out for its romantic and lyrical theme. From 1996 - 2010,Selenge.Ts worked as a contortion teacher in Ulan - Ude, Buryatia. Since 2013, she has been teaching contortion at the “ Mongolian Circus Development Center. Her students traveled to many countries winning trophies, medals and prizes at over ten international circus competitions. Notable achievements include the Silver Cup at both the International Circus Competition of Moscow's Nikulin Circus and the International Circus Competition in Wuhan, China.
Erdenes
Delgertstseg Chimedravdan, primarily focused on teaching the art of contortion. She is talented and creative, working with many beautiful themes such as “ Wolf”, “ Spider”, and “ Udgan Tree”. Students of the “ Erdenes” center received awards such as the “ Grand prix of the Youth Circus Festival, and the Gold medal of the Children;s “ Yargui “ Festival. In 2010, five of the contortionists from the “ Erdenes “ center performed the contortion act “ Blue sky girls’ at the World Circus Competition held in Monte- Carlo, where they won the prestigious “ Bronze Clown”.
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17:00 - 17:30 - MCC - Opening
Guest
Lea Antoine grew up in Las Vegas, starting her circus journey at just four years old under the guidance of Erdenechimeg - Angelique.J. During her early years, she participated in various shows including Cirque du Soleil’s “ One night for one drop” . As she grew up Lea discovered a second passion while being Erdenchimeg- Angelique’s assistant coach, in teaching contortion and handstands. This experience deepened her love for the art of arch and set her on a path toward professional training. In 2023, Lea earned her Trainer certificate in Circus Arts from the Montreal National Circus School. She now works as a Teacher in the Circus Arts at the same institution, specializing in hand balancing and contortion, flexibility, and physical preparation among other skills.
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17:30 - 20:00 - Students show
Sunday, September 08
Workshop coordinator, Stage manager
Battseren Namsrai, a student of the famous contortionist B.Norovsambuu, began working as a contortion artist at the State Circus in 1989. In 1991, she participated in the circus program of the Mongolian circus and traveled to Hungary and France, eventually performing in more than 50 countries around the world. In 1992, Battseren.N received a special prize at an International circus competition held in Verona, Italy. Since 1995, she has been working with the contortion ensemble “ Mongolian Miracle” in Germany performing in internationally renowned variety shows and theaters. In 2017, Battseren.N founded “ Batsi Yoga - Contortion studio and has been working as a master coach since then.
Workshop coordinator, Stage manager
In 1977, Enkhtsetseg Baltav, became a student of the renowned contortionist Norovsambuu.B, beginning her training in the art of contortion. By 1979, she started her career as a contortion artist, quickly gaining recognition for her exceptional technical skills, artistic expression and versatility in performing various contortion acts. Throughout her career, Enkhtsetseg.B toured extensively, showcasing her talent in numerous countries. In 2001,Enkhtsetseg.B transitioned to teaching contortion,and in 2003 she founded theMongolian Contortion Center. Her dedication to training the next generation of contortion bore fruit , when her students won a Silver Medal at the Youth Circus Competition in Mongolia in 2021.
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09:00 - 10:00 - Acro - yoga – Battseren Namsrai
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10:15 - 11:00 - "UYAN" - is a simple set of stretch exercises dedicated to improving of the health of ordinary people.(discussion - interview - questions - answer). Erdenechimeg Angelique
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11:15 - 12:00 - About safety insurance for Special professions
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12:00 - 13:00 - Lunch break
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13:15 - 13:50 - The one hand stand competition
Judges
Enkhtsetseg Lodoi the honored contortion artist of Mongolia, is the Chairman of the Mongolian Contortion Association, the Director of the “ Angels” Acrobatics and Contortion center and a judge at the “ 42th Festival Mondial du Circus de Demain in Paris” in 2023.
In 1992, Zolbayar Bataa, began his journey into the world of circus by enrolling as a gymnast in the circus class at the Conservatory of Music and Dance. He is a multi- talented performer who has set the best records in the various disciplines of circus acts. His leadership and organizational skill emerged during his time as a director and safety technician in the state circus from 2004- 2007. In 2019, Zolbayar.B founded “ Zola Bros” circus, embarking on a global tour where he consistently garnered Gold, Silver and Bronze trophies at the International Circus Competitions. Notably, in 2020 ,he was awarded the prestigious “ Bronze Clown” at the World Circus Competitions in Monte - Carlo.
Narangua Dulamsuren at the age of five, studied with our legendary teacher Tsend Ayush.T and became a contortionist. From 2001 to 2007, while working as a contortion artist at the State circus, she successfully participated in International competitions winning Silver and Bronze medals. Since 2007, she has been working in Cirque du Soleil’s “ O “ show as a contortion artist,team leader and artistic coach. She is a talented contortionist and a role model.
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14:00 - 15:30 - Studios presentations
New Circus Center
After graduating from Circus school in 1988, Otgontsetseg Darmaa, worked as an Aerial artist in the State Circus. In Circus she performed such as “Aerial rope”, “ Trapeze '' and various acrobatics acts and brought interest to the audiences of the country and abroad. In 2000, D. Otgontsetseg founded “ Otgo” balancing and contortion training studio and has been training continuously for 24 years. The students of the “ Otgo” studio repeatedly participated in International circus shows and competitions. They are winners of the Grand Prix, Bronze Lion and in 2010 “ Bronze Clown '' from the World Circus Competition held in Monte Carlo.
Flower Studio
In 1972, Erdenetsetseg Badarch, the student of the famous circus artist O. Tserendulam performed the act “ Perch pole”, which she executed on top of that “ Marinelli trick” of contortion. She has performed numerous acts in the same discipline and was admired by thousands of viewers both in the country and abroad. In 20.. She opened the “ Flower” studio which combines both “ Balancing” and “ Contortion” disciplines, effectively training dozens of children. The students of the Flower studio participated in the Youth Circus Competitions and won the “Bronze Colt “ and “ Silver Colt “ awards and the Special Prize at the Junior Circus Competitions held in Lithuania.
Assistant teacher A. Altanchimeg
Pyramid Studio
In 2010,Yanjinbileg Batmunkh, founded the “ Pyramid School of Circus Arts”, which provides training in contortion, aerial gymnastics and juggling. The students of the “ Pyramid “ studio have won the “ Silver Colt”, “ Golden Colt” at the Youth Circus Competition and “ Prime Prize” in the 2023 “ Mongolia’s Got Talent” show.
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17:00 - 20:00 - Show - MCC - Closing