We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Uranbileg Angarag a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Uranbileg, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I was 5 years old. My grandparents took me to see the Mongolian National Circus show. The moment I watched the contortion act, I was completely mesmerized. I knew this would be my career and nobody could tell me otherwise. After enough begging and rolling around the house, my parents had no other choice than t0 take me to the circus. I auditioned for my contortion teacher at 6 years old. I was accepted and that was 25 years ago!

Uranbileg, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Uranbileg Angarag, but most people know me as Urnaa. I’m a contortionist and aerial artist from Mongolia, and my journey into the world of circus began when I was just five years old. I loved it so much that I started training at the Mongolian National Circus, and by the time I was nine, I was already performing on stage.

Since then, I’ve had the incredible privilege of sharing my art in over 30 countries around the world. I’ve performed with companies such as Cirque du Soleil, Teatro Zinzanni, and the Ringling Museum, etc… and I’ve taken part in international festivals and exclusive events. My performances include a mix of solo and duo acts, from lyra, chandelier, and hand balancing to aerial silks, adagio, trio contortion, and archery contortion. I’ve also had the chance to bring my skills into the world of film, working mostly as a creature actress.

Along the way, I’ve been honored with a few awards that I’m proud of—like being a finalist on “Mongolia’s Got Talent” in 2015, winning 1st place at the 2020 Cirque Life International Circus Competition, and receiving bronze at the Princess Circus Festival. But honestly, what means the most to me is the connection I get to make with audiences and with the amazing students I’ve had the joy of teaching.

Outside of the circus world, I’m also passionate about yoga and coaching. I’m an internationally certified yoga instructor and was named the 2021 Yoga Athlete National Champion in the IYSF competition. Teaching has become such a meaningful part of my life—helping others discover their strength, flexibility, and confidence through movement.

I have started to focus on expanding that work even more. I have been hosting and teaching workshops in the United States, and will continue to do so. In 2024, I organized and hosted my first Contortion Retreat with my contortion partner, which was a challenging and fulfilling experience. I’m currently planning two upcoming Contortion Retreats—one in Japan (May 2nd-8th 2025) and another in Mexico (February 7th-14th 2026). My goal is to keep building a global community where contortion is celebrated not only as an art form, but also as a pathway to empowerment, creativity, and connection.

Remember, contortion isn’t just about how far you can bend — but it´s about combining strength, balance, flexibility and movement. When these elements come together, you can begin to unlock your own creative identity. That’s when you start to create something that’s authentically and uniquely yours.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My goal is to be the best I can be. My dad always used to tell me when I was younger, to be better today than I was yesterday. I have kept this with me and it motivates me to work on my craft everyday.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I find the most rewarding aspect of my art is being able to create something beautiful that expresses who I am. It’s very freeing to be able to share on stage something I’ve worked hard at creating. Now, as a more seasoned artist, I feel a deep responsibility—and joy—in giving back what I’ve learned. It’s one of the most fulfilling parts of my journey: to teach, share, and uplift others so they can find their own artistic path. The other part of this career that I truly enjoy is being able to travel around the world and meet other amazing souls. There is inspiration everywhere and I’m here for it!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.urnaacontortion.com
• Instagram: @urnaa.contortionist
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/urnaa.contortionist
• Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@urnaa.contortionist