UYAN
is Mongolian word for “ Supple-flexible” based contortion training. It consists of warming up the body with basic stretching exercises, to move and stretch all joints of the body. This is an essential for improving human health, similar to the popular yoga and Pilates.
UYAN is a simple stretch exercise dedicated to improving the health of ordinary people.
Where
Flamingo Library
1401 E Flamingo Rd
Las Vegas NV 89119
When
Sunday to Monday
8-9th October 2023
ABOUT
The history of Mongolian art of contortion, talented teachers, performers and their beautiful acts are renowned all over the world. They transformed ancient body posture and unsophisticated traditional contortion acts into a classic masterpiece of beauty and grace.
In 1956, renowned contortion teacher T.Tsend-Ayush taught her first student, eight years old B.Norobsambuu. This event marked the genesis of a groundbreaking phase in Mongolian contortion pedagogy, a legacy that resonates in modern training techniques.
Tsend-Ayush approach centered around tailoring training programs to match the unique aptitude of each student, a method that proved instrumental in nurturing exceptional talent. In 1959, the act “ Flower on the flower” - a creation of Tsend-Ayush performed by her student B.Norovsambuu- significant the birth of Mongolian classical contortion era. T.Tsend -Ayush’s legacy was carried on by renowned contortionists, teachers D.Majigsuren and B.Norovsambuu., both State Prize winners themselves.
Prominent Mongolian contortionists, who have been extensively trained and mentored by them, are sharing their knowledge through workshops at our Contortion Convention.
Mongolian contortion is exclusively designated to Mongolia. There are no schools that specialize solely in contortion elsewhere. The establishment of Mongolian contortion schools launched a new era in contortion teaching.
Many have interest, particularly, in the Mongolian training method. The techniques and skills involved in contortion are not only an integral part of the circus but also widely utilized in sports and the broader physical entertainment world.
Mongolian contortionists and artists have not only contributed significantly to the art form, but they continue to teach at circus schools, offer private contortion training and advocate the importance of warm-ups, different levels of stretching exercises, conditioning exercises and injury prevention.
More than 30 years have passed since the first Mongolian Circus performers, including contortionists, came to Ringling Brothers Circus in the USA. During this time mongolian contortionists and coaches have had the pleasure of collaborating with international productions and companies, including Cirque du Soleil. Many artists regularly appear on popular TV programs and Gala shows.
Currently, contortion training and all levels of stretch courses are offered in Las Vegas, New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Louis, Minnesota, Florida, Denver and many other European cities, including Paris and London.
Young contortion students from Mongolian contortion teachers are consistent winners at the annual VIVAFEST in Las Vegas.
Mongolian contortionists and students of other countries that have studied and trained under Mongolian contortion teachers have participated in every International Contortion Convention organized by our dear friend Ska von Schoning.
The number of enthusiasts also continues to increase each year due to the popularity of contortion. We are honored to present our first Contortion Convention.
Mongolian Contortion Association was founded on September 14th , 2003. Today this organization is celebrating its 20th year's anniversary.
In 2016th, renowned mongolian contortionist L.Enkhtsetseg was elected as the Mongolian Contortion Association Executive Director.
Mongolian Community in Las Vegas Nevada was established in the year 2021.
The Goal
To celebrate this wonderful art and its growing community, we are proud to introduce our inaugural Contortion Convention. Prepare to be amazed by awe- inspiring performances from talented contortionists, learn from the best through interactive workshops, and connect with fellow contortion enthusiasts who share your love for this unique art form. 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.
Mongolian Contortion Convention was initiated for the first time, Erdenechimeg - Angelique. J, promises to be a remarkable event celebrating the art of contortion. Her journey began with early training under the guidance of her mentor Merited Mongolian contortion artist and teacher T. Tsend -Ayush, where she learned the classical elements of movements and skills. Throughout her illustrious career, she has not only excelled as a performer but also made significant contributions as a teacher and advisory coach for numerous years. Additionally, Erdenechimeg - Angelique. J has authored the book “ Supple” The art of arch Mongolian contortion” showcasing her expertise and techniques in this book.
“ Contortion must be taught in a way that educates students on the importance of warm-up as it relates to our bodies before we begin to move”
- from the book “SUPPLE”. Erdenechimeg - Angelique.J
Schedule
Mongolian Contortion Convention
Workshops for kids and adults
Large Conference room. Flamingo Library.
Rehearsal Gala Show
Blau Theater. Flamingo Library.
Light and Sound Rehearsal
Main Theater. Flamingo Library.
General Rehearsal for Gala Show
Main Theater. Flamingo Library.
Serchmaa’s Studio Presentation
Main Theater. Flamingo Library
Hand Balancing Competition. For all ages!!!
Request to Participate
Opening Ceremony
Main Theater. Flamingo Library.
Gala Show
Main Theater. Flamingo Library.
WORKSHOPS
Workshop for children
Ulzibayar • Tsetsegmaa • Otgo • Undarma • Serchmaa
Workshop for children & adults to improve flexibility for dancers, gymnastics, athletes, ordinary people
Nara • Ariuna • Uugantuya • Otgo • Undarma • Enkhee
Workshop for adults
Angelique • Jonathan • Otgo
Workshop for adults
Undarma • Serchmaa • Enkhee
Workshop
Angelique • Suvda
Workshop payments will be accepted at the day of the workshop and process directly to coaches through Zelle, Venmo, Paypal and cash.
SIGN UP
COACHES
Workshops October 8th 2023
Erdenechimeg-Angelique.J | Supple
Erdenechimeg - Angelique, J has been performing for over 50 years as a contortionist. Former coach and expert of contortion at the “O” show by Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas. Since 1999, she has been teaching the newest generation of contortionists. For the first time in her book she provides key techniques that are required for executing complex movements.
Come to learn how to breathe during transitions of skills!
What are the most important things to consider when starting to teach contortion?
1:20PM - 2:40PM
4:20M - 5PM
Ogi Otgo Waller | Flexible Body Art
Otgo is one of the best contortionists in the world.She has been performing for over 40 years. After performing for many years, Otgo began to teach flexibility. She created her own trained technique to help every individual become more flexible.
Come work with her to improve flexibility and learn how to train without injury!
10AM - 11:30AM
11:40AM -1:10PM
1:20PM - 2:40PM
Jonathan Nosan
Jonathan Nosan has been a professional contortionist for over 20 years and coaching internationally for 10 years. Contortion Jonathan Nosan’s method of training muscles for movement takes the strain and pain out of the back to stabilize and drive from the core and hip - a process of “ Backbending from the Front”
Come and learn a unique breathing technique.
1:20PM - 2:40PM
Undarma Gold
Undarma is one of the top contortionists , she has been working over 40 years as a contortionist. More than a decade she has been teaching advanced flexibility and art of Contortion.
Welcome to learn deep stretch and different positions of hand stand.
10AM - 11:30AM
11:40AM -1:10PM
2:50PM - 4:20PM
Serchmaa B
Serchmaa has been performing for 20 years and teaching for more than 30 years. She created her own her own method of contortion training based on the traditional movements of Mongolian contortion.
Come to learn her own method of contortion and how to work with partners.
10AM - 11:30AM
2:50PM - 4:20PM
Enkhee Smith
Enkhee .S started doing contortion at age 5 years old. She was first time one of contortionists selected for Cirque du Soleil’s “ O “ show, for her 20 years performing career. Enkhee.S continues to coach for over 10 years to others in this profession that she loves.
Join Enkhe to learn warm up, stretching and most importantly choreography and how to create your own act.
11:40AM -1:10PM
2:50PM - 4:20PM
Ulzibayar Cimed | K-Star Academy
Ulzibayar. C began training at age 5 years old. In 1993 she was chosen by Cirque du Soleil and became the first Mongolian Contortionist to perform in the show “ Alegria”. Since then she has worked in this company for 27 years as a contortionist. Ulzibayar teaches complete contortion program and create shows for K-Star Academy students within the last two years.
Let’s work with Ulzibayar to learn movement flows between the skills of contortion.
10AM - 11:30AM
Ariuna. B
Anna started performing at age 9 years old. For 26 years Anna has performed many thousands of shows all around the world. In 2003 she joined Cirque du Soleil and she has performed “ O”, “ Zumanity” shows. Currently she trains contortion and hand balancing at the Circus Center of Las Vegas.
Join Ariuna to learn hand balance on the floor and on the sticks on both and one arm.
11:40AM -1:10PM
Narangua. B
Narangua is Artist-Coach in the “ O “ show. She started training contortion when she was 5 years old. More than 20 years of working in this profession, she has been dedicated for 15 years to the “ O “ show of Cirque du Soleil and is still performing.
Learn from Narangua what is important to a beginner and how to balance the body on the arms.
11:40AM - 1:10PM
Uugantuya Otgonbayar
Uugantuya is professional Mongolian Contortionist who has been performing internationally since 2002. Her professional career spans over two decades now and she continues to perform and teaches to others her impressive flexibility and contortion skills.
Let's work with Uugantuya on any level of contortion skills.
11:40AM - 1:10PM
Suvda Ganbaatar
- Financial Professional Specializing in the Entertainment Industry. Suvda Ganbaatar has successfully transitioned from her Contortion career to become a dedicated financial professional over the past two years. Now, she is on an inspiring mission , on which she’s passionately commited to “ No contortion left Behind” and “ No artist left Behind”. Suvda will host a workshop on financial literacy and the art of making your hard earned money work for you. She eagerly prepares to share this invaluable information with participants of the Mongolian Contortion Convention.
4:20PM - 5:00PM
AdultS
one workshop - $60
two workshops - $100
three workshops - $135
CHILDREN
one workshop - $30
two workshops - $50
JUDGES
Odmaa Bayartsogt
Odma.B was born in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. After studying the art of contortion she has been working at Mongolian State Circus until 2005. Throughout this period she traveled and performed in numerous countries including Italy, Sweden, France and Japan. She achieved First place at the “ International Child Circus” competition, and continued to shine as she secured Second places in Italy and China’s Circus international festivals. In 2005, Odmaa.B embarked on a new chapter in her career by joining Cirque du Soleil, where she became an integral part of the “ O” show. She was the winner of the “ Hand Balancing” competition organized by artists from all shows of Cirque du Soleil.
Valentin Chetverkin
Valentin Chetverkin is Hand balance artist. He started from sport acrobatics when he was 6 years old, becoming world and European champion in Acrosport as a men's group flyer. After many years in the Russian National team , Valentin.Ch became a performing artist. At the moment He is performing in the “ Mad Apple '' show by Cirque du Soleil.
Narangua Dulamsuren
Narangua Dulamsuren began her training in the art of contortion at the age of 5. While working with the Mongolian State Circus, participated in numerous international competitions. In 2001, in 2003 and 2007 she competed in China, Russia and Italy ,winning Silver and Bronze medals. Since 2007, Narangua.D has been performing as a contortionist in the “ O” show by Cirque du Soleil, and for the past 5 years, she has also been working as a Contortion Artist-coach in the same production.
Venue
1401 E Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas, NV
Flamingo Library, LV
The Clark County Library serves as a regional resource for southern Clark County. The Clark County Library has a 399-seat main theater, Large Conference room, and Paul C. Blau Theatre. It also offers free wireless Internet access and 281 parking spaces.
MEDIA
GUESTS OF HONOR
Oyunchimeg Yadamjav
- a renowned Mongolian contortionist. She is a first generation Mongolian contortionist. She worked in the Mongolian State Circus. Her career as a performer and coach spans over fifty years.
Lkhagva-Ochir Erdene
Born in Ulaanbaatar Mongolia, Lkhava-Ochir.E is a multi talented artist. His journey began at the Mongolian National Circus , where he trained skills of art of contortion and hand balancing in the studio of “Khun Sarnai” under the tutelage of T. Tsend-Ayush.
His career has been highlighted by performances like “Crystal“ and “Kooza” by Cirque du Soleil.
Additionally, he has actively competed in International circus competitions, in 2004 he emerged victorious at the 16 Premiere Rampe Concours International d”ecoles de cirque Monaco earning ( Bronze Trophy for contortion and balancing act) , in 2012 the 4th International Circus Festival Ha-noi ( Gold Trophy) and many others.
Lkhagva-Ochir.E not only circus artist he is also professional dancer and dedicated bodybuilding athlete.
Mongolian Circus artists became brilliant contortion trainers, who have made valuable contributions to the success of the Mongolian art of arch.
Tsetsegmaa Huujig
Tsetsegmaa worked in the Mongolian State Circus and renowned circuses across the globe including Ringling Brothers Circus. For more than 25 years she trained contortionists, and some of her former pupils graced the stage of Cirque du Soleil and won gold medals at VIVAFEST.
Chimgee Haltarhuu
Chimgee was born in Mongolia and worked in the Mongolian State Circus. She performed internationally including in Ringling Brothers Circus. She has been teaching all disciplines including contortion at Circus Juventas for over 20 years.
Gala Show
Our gala show will feature performances by professional circus artists, contortionists and gifted students locally from Las Vegas, throughout America and many other countries. Pre Show animation by Circus Students of Utah.
October 9th 4:30PM
Events
Mongolian Contortion Convention
WORKSHOPS
10AM-5PM Oct 8th
Large Conference Room
We are offering a wide range of workshops for beginner, advanced and professional level contortionists and circus and performing artists of all ages. Also available are stretching classes of all levels for ordinary people, dancers, athletes and gymnastics to bring their flexibility to the next level.
Payment directly to coaches
(Paypal, Zelle, Venmo)
With questions contact Ogi Waller email
STUDIO PRESENTATION
2:20-2:50PM Oct 9th
Main Theater
Serchmaa Byamba maintains the classic training technique, but encourages her students to own the movements themselves and create their own style. She feels the greatest thing she can give students is not just flexibility, but a positive change in their life and attitudet. The techniques passed from her teacher are beneficial to all kinds of people with all kinds of goals.
HAND BALANCING COMPETITION
3PM Oct 9th
Freestyle handstand.
The 1st place winner will receive a cash prize, 2nd - 3rd places - special prizes.
For all ages!!!
GALA SHOW
4:30PM Oct 9th
Main Theater
Our gala show will feature performances by professional circus artists, contortionists and gifted students locally from Las Vegas, throughout America and many other countries.
Pre Show animation by Circus Students of Utah.
$30
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