About Rhythmic Gymnastics

Rhythmic gymnastics is one of the most beautiful Olympic Sports. It is a combination of the dynamics and flexibility of gymnastics, the technical knowledge of ballet, and the self-expression and rhythm of modern dance. Unmatched for its elegant, expressive, precise and graceful movements, Rhythmic Gymnastics is choreographed to music and accompanied by colorful hoops, balls, ropes, ribbons, and clubs. The question has often been asked of Rhythmic Gymnastics: Is it Dance? Is it Art? Or is it Sport?

In reality it is a unique combination of the best of all three worlds. The essence of Rhythmic Gymnastics is self-expression. In the absence of extremely difficult acrobatic elements used in Artistic Gymnastics, the movements in Rhythmic Gymnastics are elegant, expressive, precise and graceful. Athletes require a full range of flexibility throughout the entire body in addition to explosive power. Both factors combined allow athletes to maintain perfect body alignment in leaps, balances, pirouettes and other intricate body movements. Athletes display coordination and cohesion in their use of the hand apparatus with rhythmic sensibility while taking risks with technical precision.

Rhythmic Gymnastics is recognized by Federation of International Gymnastics. There are two different types of competition in Rhythmic Gymnastics: Individual and Group. In the Group Competition 5 athletes work together as one. They use one of the hand apparatus or a combination of two different pieces (i.e. Ribbons and Hoops). To watch the combination of 5 different personalities meld together to perform intricate compositions involving highflying throws and exchanges is truly thrilling. The element of cooperation among the athletes is essential resulting in a breathtaking, harmonious unit.

Rhythmic Gymnastics Objectives

The benefits of Rhythmic Gymnastics to girls in their formative years include physical fitness, self-discipline, positive self-esteem, lasting friendships, team skills, fun and a healthy lifestyle that the gymnast will sustain for life.