The Wizard Of OZ

Oyu Tolgoi takes the children of Ulaanbaatar to the circus...

Happy faces of the VIP guests

Last Sunday we attended the circus production of  The Wizard of OZ for the Annual Children's party hosted by a branch of Sim's company.

The entire circus was commissioned to accomodate our little friends from the Fraternite Notre Dame Orphanage (FND), plus the children from three other local orphanages. 

The circus was packed to the rafters with the children and their friends (individuals from  Oyu Tolgoi and the wider expat and Mongolian community who assist them).

Everybody (including the old folk!) had a lot of fun!

Santa's helpers

You can't get by without a few helpers to hand out essentials on arrival...

Everyone was seriously rugged up from the cold outside!

What a gorgeous coat!

And there was more!..balloons, lollipops, hats and glow sticks...

Reserved. The best seats in the house!

the tumblers were once again simply amazing!

Then the after show photo call ...

...then back home for a pizza party!

Ole's "shadow walker"

Uncle Ole with his hands full!

Lastly, some HAPPY SNAPS, by the kids...

The following shots were taken by the children as my camera became the flavour of the moment.   With the help of some artful editing and cropping! and despite the healthy coating of pizza oil on the camera afterwards, they came out just great!

Did you recognise my little "angel" from the April blog?
He's definitely grown older!

it wasn't that easy to handle with small hands!

and my favourite...a portrait shot!?

Roll up, roll up!

11th July, 2011

This blog is dedicated to Ash and friends at the Beijing Institute of Arts...

CIRCUS MONGOLIA

70TH ANNIVERSARY PERFORMANCE

МОНГОЛ ЩЙРК - Circus Mongolia

The Mongolian Circus recently celebrated its 70th Anniversary.  The circus owes its roots to a Soviet Circus troupe who visited Mongolia in 1931 and took back with them the first group of Mongolian artistes for training.  70 years after establishing itself in Mongolia, the Mongolian circus now performs throughout the world and are renown for being contortion specialists.
  

The circus is held in a dedicated arena in the heart of the city. Originally a yurt shaped Buddhist temple it was one of the three saved from destruction by the Russians and has housed the Circus school since 1941.  It has since gone through many renovations.  It recently changed its distinctive blue colour to orange! 

Circus Building (or should I say roof!) as seen from Peace Avenue

Because many of the Mongolian artists are now busy touring internationally there are not many shows scheduled throughout the year.  This year they've only performed together for three shows.  
Incredibly, VIP tickets are less than $10!

The acts that made up the 70th Gala Spectacular...

Young contortionists

Violin playing contortionist

Some crazy "skipping acrobats"!

Aerial silk performers

Acrobats

A

Strongman

who catches

... lead balls at the back of his head!!

And can balance 5 people AND a massive barbell on his legs

Flying Trapeze

Trapeze Star who free-fell from the highest point of the dome head first and "tucked" into landing position at last possible minute.  Alarming!

Still climbing into position...

A brilliant juggler with a great act and stage face!

Hand balancing contortionists!

Awesome display of strength and flexibility

A talented crowd pleaser

...and cute kids from the audience who almost stole the show

This little boy was so adorable and a crowd favourite

One of the best hand balancing artists in the world

amazing tumblers

The shows' stars...all in all a brilliant evening
Congratulations to Circus Mongolia!

After show photo call