MSA & Circus Arts Founder Serves as International Judge at One of the World’s Top 10 Circus Festivals

MSA & Circus Arts is proud to announce that our visionary founder was recently invited to serve as a judge at one of the Top 10 Largest Circus Festivals in the World, held in Almaty, Kazakhstan. This prestigious honor places MSA on a global stage and further establishes our commitment to excellence and artistry in the circus world.

A celebrated international circus Artist, certified USA Gymnastics coach, and mentor to the U.S. National Sports Acrobatic Gymnastics Team gold medalists, Meirmanov was selected to join the panel at this world-renowned event held in his homeland of Kazakhstan. His presence as as an Honorary Jury is a testament to his lifelong commitment to the highest levels of artistic and athletic excellence in the circus arts.

“The level of professionalism and creative execution at the Almaty Festival was among the highest I’ve seen,” said Meirmanov. “It was an honor to witness and celebrate the exceptional performances that push the boundaries of our artform.”

The festival was a deeply meaningful homecoming. 55 years ago, Nourbol was one of the first artists to perform under the grand dome of the Kazakh State Circus, then a newly opened symbol of creative possibility.

Returning decades later as a part of an Honorary Jury, he reunited with many former colleagues from his early performing years — a touching full-circle moment that reminded us all of the legacy and lifelong bonds forged in the world of circus.

Another notable highlight was sharing the panel with Peter Dubinsky, an artistic consultant and USA jury member at circus festivals around the world who was part of the panel that awarded Nourbol’s son, Almas Meirmanov, the Silver Medal at the Monte Carlo International Circus Festival in 2000 for his world-class hand-balancing act — a routine trained and choreographed by Nourbol himself.

An International Gathering of Talent

The International Almaty Circus Festival, held at the legendary Kazakh State Circus, brought together over 75 elite artists from 15 countries, showcasing the finest in aerial acrobatics, juggling, equilibristics, and clowning. These performers are internationally recognized and celebrated for their breathtaking skill and innovation. Congratulations to chief stage Director Marina Redko and Director of Kazakh State Circus Maksat Zhaikov for orchestrating an unforgettable 55th anniversary celebration — a festival that honored the past, elevated the present, and inspired the future of circus arts on the world stage.

Dual Judging Panels in Honor of the Kazakh state circus 55th anniversary

In celebration of the Kazakh State Circus anniversary, this year’s festival featured two distinguished panels of judges — a traditional International Jury, as well as an Honorary Jury composed of founding performers from the original 1972 artistic ensemble, including renowned circus veteran Nourbol Meirmanov. The inclusion of both panels added gravitas to the event and deepened the cultural and historic context of the competition.

Honoring the Winners

We extend heartfelt congratulations to all participants and award recipients:

🏆 Grand PrixGroup “Hassak” (Kazakhstan, Almaty) – Acrobats on the transitional ladder Director: Adlet Tikanov

🥇 Gold Medalists

“Galleya” – Aerial gymnasts (Russia)

“Du Love” – Duo on straps (Vietnam)

“Secret of My Soul” – Duo on lyra (Ukraine)

🥈 Silver Medalists

Acrobats on teeterboard (Russia)

“Duo Celestia” – Aerial lyra (Yakutia)

“Through the Horns” – Acrobats on Chinese pole (Russia)

🥉 Bronze Medalists

“In Flame – Together” – Duo on straps (Russia)

“Starry Sky” – Slackwire act (China)

“Toxic Love” – Aerial pole (Israel)

We thank all the artists for the emotion, grace, and mastery they brought to the ring.