the girls' hula hoops are also handma handmade.ke a 2.5-meter section of plastic hose normally used for underfloor heating, bend it into a loop, and cover it in gold tape. everyone still eats together once a day in the practice room. the meal consists of soup and bread. rarely anything more. the circus isn't able to pay its members. the older performers work as day laborers or pick up night shifts at construction sites and factories. children collect metal scrap to sell. tomuru says that members often donate the money they earn to keep the circus running. in 2018, the circus held its first proper overseas tour. between may and november, they performed in 14 hotels across turkey. they received high praise and made the first significant profit the group had ever seen. performers were paid around $300 a month. it's been a week since they returned to darkhan. the circus club decides to celebrate their success abroad with a paid performance. two members set out, tickets in hand. they arrive at a local elementary school. both performers