The DPRK got their very own circus in 1952, under the direction of Kim Il Sung. Circus acts are considered a refined art in the DPRK, because of this 54,000 square feet was allotted for the performers. Regardless of politics, the circus has done thousands of acts abroad in more than 70 different countries and has won many awards. The acrobatic “flying girls” get the most attention, with their perfect facial symmetry and a legendary trapeze act that includes a quadruple back flip. The standard circus fanfare is available here, expect to see things like juggling, unicycles, tightrope walking, and synchronised swimming. A unique flavour of Korean-style clowns can be seen here, keeping the populace of Pyongyang laughing. While magicians keep the populace deceived, with their sleights of hand and illusions. The circus still utilises trained animals for stunts, despite changing views on the practice. This circus is one of the only places in the world now that bears can be seen boxing and skipping rope. The baboons are surprisingly adept at rollerskating. There is also a retractable stage that reveals an ice rink, ice skaters have been known to juggle doves while doing other stunts on this rink. All of the performers of the circus have a noticeable level of mastery due to their lifetime training. Gifted children are selected for their abilities from primary and secondary schools around the country by the circus school staff. At the circus school, the students receive general education and specialise in a performance art. After their graduation they are assigned to a production unit of the Pyongyang Circus, where they continue to dedicate themselves to the art. Tickets to witness these performers cost 20 Euros. Foreigners are often separated from the locals and are treated plush front row seats at no additional cost.