Rhythmic Gymnastics
Rhythmic Gymnastics?
Rhythmic gymnastics is a sport combining dance and gymnastics with the use of apparatus such as balls, hoops, ribbons, ropes, and clubs. The name of the sport was recently changed from "rhythmic sportive gymnastics" (RSG) to "rhythmic gymnastics" (RG).
How did it start?
Rhythmic gymnastics began in Scandinavia during the 19th century when two schools of thought about gymnastics collided, resulting in this sport. Originally developed to provide an overall physical fitness program for girls and women of all ages, Rhythmic Gymnastics evolved mostly during the 1950's. The sport was first recognized by the FIG (international gymnastics sport governing body) in 1962, and the first World Championships were held in 1963 in Budapest, Hungary.
What happens in a routine?
Gymnasts perform on a carpet to music either individually or in a group of five. In competition, gymnasts perform leaps, pivots, balances, and other elements to demonstrate flexibility, balance, grace and coordination. The apparatus is fully integrated in the routine and specific moves are performed with each apparatus. Individual, choreographed routines last from 1 minute & 15 seconds to 1 minute & 30 seconds, while group routines last from 2 minutes & 15 seconds to 2 minutes & 30 seconds.
The identifiable difference between rhythmic and artistic gymnastics is that acrobatic skill is not allowed. A gymnast would in fact be penalized if she incorporated any sort of acrobatic skill into a routine. However, pre-acrobatic elements such as forward and backward shoulder rolls, fish-flops, and tah-dahs are permitted. With a new Code of Points introduced, walkovers and cartwheels are now permitted.
Integral parts of this sport are originality and risk and no routines are ever the same.
For the official tournaments of the FIG and for Olympic Games the competitors must reach an age of:
Seniors: from 15 years
Juniors: 12 - 14 years
Rhythmic gymnastics is an exciting sport, offering diversity and the opportunity to learn co-ordination, poise, balance and gracefulness as well as flexibility and fitness.
- Michelle Palmer (michelle@girl.com.au)
Rhythmic gymnastics is a sport combining dance and gymnastics with the use of apparatus such as balls, hoops, ribbons, ropes, and clubs. The name of the sport was recently changed from "rhythmic sportive gymnastics" (RSG) to "rhythmic gymnastics" (RG).
How did it start?
Rhythmic gymnastics began in Scandinavia during the 19th century when two schools of thought about gymnastics collided, resulting in this sport. Originally developed to provide an overall physical fitness program for girls and women of all ages, Rhythmic Gymnastics evolved mostly during the 1950's. The sport was first recognized by the FIG (international gymnastics sport governing body) in 1962, and the first World Championships were held in 1963 in Budapest, Hungary.
What happens in a routine?
Gymnasts perform on a carpet to music either individually or in a group of five. In competition, gymnasts perform leaps, pivots, balances, and other elements to demonstrate flexibility, balance, grace and coordination. The apparatus is fully integrated in the routine and specific moves are performed with each apparatus. Individual, choreographed routines last from 1 minute & 15 seconds to 1 minute & 30 seconds, while group routines last from 2 minutes & 15 seconds to 2 minutes & 30 seconds.
The identifiable difference between rhythmic and artistic gymnastics is that acrobatic skill is not allowed. A gymnast would in fact be penalized if she incorporated any sort of acrobatic skill into a routine. However, pre-acrobatic elements such as forward and backward shoulder rolls, fish-flops, and tah-dahs are permitted. With a new Code of Points introduced, walkovers and cartwheels are now permitted.
Integral parts of this sport are originality and risk and no routines are ever the same.
For the official tournaments of the FIG and for Olympic Games the competitors must reach an age of:
Seniors: from 15 years
Juniors: 12 - 14 years
Rhythmic gymnastics is an exciting sport, offering diversity and the opportunity to learn co-ordination, poise, balance and gracefulness as well as flexibility and fitness.
- Michelle Palmer (michelle@girl.com.au)
MORE
GIRL.COM.AU
CONTACT US
FOLLOW US ON
Copyright © 2001 - Girl.com.au, a Trillion.com Company - All rights reserved.
