On this episode of the Circuspreneur Podcast, host Shenea Stiletto interviews founder of the Mongolian Contortion Convention Erdenechimeg Jamiyan Janov also known as “Angelique Janov.”
Angelique studied the art of contortion at the Mongolian State Circus, and became a professional contortionist in 1970. With over fifty years of experience, she made history by creating and performing the groundbreaking “Double Marinelli” Trick. She served as the coach and contortion expert for the Cirque Du Soleil show “O” in Las Vegas from 1998-2020. She has also received numerous awards from international circus festivals, such as the Queen of Contortion title, and the Merited Actress of Mongolia. In 2023, Angelique founded the Mongolian Contortion Convention, which will take place later this fall of 2025.
Drawing on decades of teaching experience, Angelique authored the book Supple. The book covers the history and unique features of Mongolian contortion, and for the first- time provides a step-by-step instructions on key techniques. Angelique has also been a Board member of the Mongolian Contortion Association since 2016.
What makes Mongolian contortion different from other forms of contortion around the world?
Mongolian contortion stands apart due to its deeply rooted training system, which emphasizes not only extreme flexibility but also technical precision, endurance, and expressive artistry. Unlike other traditions that may focus on singular postures, Mongolian contortion blends graceful movement (influenced by traditional Mongolian dance) with high-level skills and strength. This creates a unique aesthetic — both powerful and fluid. The style prioritizes lifelong flexibility and injury prevention, supported by a structured, daily routine of warm-ups and stretching that’s been passed down for generations.
How has Mongolian contortion influenced global performance, especially in America?
The presence of Mongolian contortion in American circus began in the early 1990s, with performers joining Ringling Brothers and Big Apple Circus. By 1998, Mongolian artists had become integral to Cirque du Soleil productions like O in Las Vegas. As audiences and performers were introduced to this discipline, its popularity exploded. Many people began to identify contortion with the Mongolian style — so much so that when audiences see a technically refined act, they often assume the artist trained with a Mongolian teacher. Today, Mongolian technique is used across various fields, including dance, aerial arts, gymnastics, and synchronized swimming.
Why did you start the Mongolian Contortion Convention, and what is its purpose?
After the long-standing International Contortion Convention in Las Vegas ended in 2019, there was a void in the global contortion community. Angelique launched the Mongolian Contortion Convention in 2023 to bring together coaches, professionals, and enthusiasts to learn, share, and elevate the art form. The convention promotes proper technique, safe training practices, and community. It welcomes everyone — from children and hobbyists to elite performers — and fosters mutual learning and appreciation for the discipline. It also provides a platform to showcase the next generation of talent and reinforce the global legacy of Mongolian contortion.
How does the Mongolian method ensure flexibility and career longevity while preventing injury?
The key lies in a consistent, methodical approach. Mongolian contortionists begin each day with 20–30 minutes of warm-ups and targeted stretching. These routines are designed to gradually build strength, joint control, and muscular balance — crucial for preventing injury. Technical drills are layered on top of this base, ensuring slow, safe progress. As a result, many Mongolian artists remain active well into their 30s and 40s. Angelique proudly noted her students in Cirque du Soleil and other productions who have had 15–20 year-long careers — a testament to the sustainability of the method.
What do you hope the circus and performing arts community will do to support the Mongolian Contortion Convention going forward?
She hopes to see more integration between circus disciplines and wider performing arts sectors — from dance to opera to athletics — as flexibility becomes universally recognized as foundational to all movement arts. Angelique envisions the convention as a space not just for contortionists but for anyone who values flexibility, artistry, and body awareness. Her mission is to normalize contortion as a beautiful, enriching discipline — just like dance or music — and encourage more people, especially young girls, to engage with it confidently and safely. Support from the global circus community, including participation, promotion, and collaboration, is essential to grow this vision.
Key Takeaways
Legacy: Angelique Janov is a pioneer of Mongolian contortion, known for inventing the double Marinelli trick and serving as a coach at Cirque du Soleil’s O for over two decades.
Training Philosophy: Her approach emphasizes structure, safety, endurance, and artistry — producing flexible, technically advanced performers with long careers.
Cultural Impact: Mongolian contortion has influenced global circus and beyond, with its distinct technique becoming a recognizable standard worldwide.
Community Building: Through the Mongolian Contortion Convention, Angelique is fostering a diverse, inclusive space for education and cultural exchange in the contortion world.
Vision: She advocates for contortion to be embraced like other art forms — accessible, celebrated, and beneficial for health and longevity.
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This post was last modified on August 2, 2025 12:56 am