A Rubber Girl

Young contortionist together with her trainer.

Oyun Tungalag, 10, won last spring the top prize from the prestigious "Debute" circus festival in Monte Carlo. 

The jury unamiously gave her the golden cup. "Excellent circus performance. It is hard to believe that it is done by such a small girl," commented Alain Fraier, member of the jury. 

"Oyun Tungalag exercises for only last three years but she masters within months what it takes others years of hard work," says her trainer, Tsend Ayush, a well known contortionist in past.

"She has got talent for this. When I was young I worked on this show for quite a time but never really could make it. I am so happy that Oyun realized my dream show." 

Mongolian circus which celebrates this June its 60th anniversary can not be imagined without rubber girls or contortionists. "Girls without bones" they are often called.

During last four decades they won many prestiguious prizes from international circus competitions. And what they do on a podium, Oyun Tungalag does resting with one hand on a pole.

Ya. Oyunchimeg and E.Erdenetuya, star contortionists of 80s.

"I knew that I did a good performance, but dreamt of being called first to the award ceremony and given the highest prize," says she. 

Her name means Clear Mind, and she works hard everyday. Perhaps she knows well what is she striving for.


Also read in Arts:
- World of Mongolian Women  
- In Search of Sacred Roots

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