Mongolian girls are taken from their family to turn into famous acrobats

Mongolian acrobats are considered to be among the best in the world, and this is no accident. Mongolian acrobatics has centuries-old traditions and originates in Buddhist meditation practices and poses imitating animals. Acrobatics here is not only a matter of national pride, but also an almost guaranteed "ticket to life". Therefore, starting from the age of five, Mongolian girls spend most of their time twisted in incredible poses somewhere on the outskirts of Ulaanbaatar, away from family and home.

Acrobatics in Mongolia is an ancient tradition. It has been known since the 13th century as the "art of warping", it is called Genghis Khan's favorite form of entertainment and a practice that was encouraged throughout the existence of his empire.

To get into the Mongolian acrobatics school, girls just need to have natural flexibility to begin with. Many young students come from very poor families, so they are forced to leave their home, usually located in rural areas, and go in pursuit of a dream. During the training, girls can see their family only on holidays, and at their own expense. Some people manage to go home only a few times a year, and then if they are lucky.

Although many Mongolian girls are gifted with natural flexibility, they all undergo thorough training. Training begins at the age of five and includes the most difficult exercises and diets to maintain flexibility. Training lasts at least three hours a day, up to five days a week. It is not surprising that novice students spend the first couple of months of training in tears, being terrified of the strict environment and heavy physical exertion.

Mongolian acrobatics requires an almost inhuman level of flexibility that goes beyond classical ballet or gymnastics, and forces the body to bend in an unnatural and very painful way. Female students spend years stretching their muscles, joints and ligaments to the limit.

The already difficult situation is further complicated by the fact that most of the girls who got into acrobatics schools spend their childhood alone with exhausting physical exertion and stress from performances, without the help and protection of family, which often makes young students depressed and lonely. Relatives are extremely proud of their successes, but, as a rule, they cannot live nearby and provide the necessary moral and emotional support. Sometimes girls manage to find an outlet in friendship, but, unfortunately, they are all still very young and equally inexperienced.

Despite all the difficulties, acrobatics schools are very popular in Mongolia. It is not so easy to achieve financial success here, especially for women. The art of acrobatics gives them a chance to take place as artists, see the world and earn much-needed money to support their family.

However, the growing popularity of Mongolian acrobatics has a downside. Given the incredible complexity and even danger of the exercises performed, qualified and knowledgeable mentors are simply vital here. And the lack of competent teachers who know their business can lead to serious injuries to students and the flourishing of corruption in the education system.

Mongolian culture sees nothing wrong with extreme bending from a very young age, but many doctors disagree with this. Working on the edge of the possibilities of the human body often causes hyperextension of the neck and back, leading to pinched nerves, osteoarthritis, problems in the cervical and lumbar spine, joint diseases and many other health problems.

But before the students who have passed the "fire and water" acrobatic school, many doors and wide horizons open. Mongolian acrobats are considered the best in the world, participate in the most prestigious circus performances, including the famous Cirque du Soleil, and receive outstanding awards. They are always welcome in Singapore, Los Angeles or Las Vegas, offering the scene they have always dreamed of, full of charm and prestige.