Rhythmic Gymnastics

Rhythmic Gymnastics

Rhythmic gymnastics is the combination of ballet, gymnastics, theatric dance, and manipulation of various apparatus. The props involved are the ball, ring, rope, club, and ribbon. Rhythmic gymnastics are performed on a floor much like in the floor exercise of artistic gymnastics. Many rhythmic gymnastics performers do not cross over into the arena of artistic gymnastics. It originated in the mid-1800s as an art of expression where women exercised to music that began as calisthenics and progressed into more strenuous activities. Multiple countries have added to the development of rhythmic gymnastics including the United States, Switzerland, and France. Rhythmic gymnastics has been infused into a lot of popular culture. Many different mangas feature characters with rhythmic gymnastics motifs. And in the movie Old School Will Ferrel’s character performs with a rhythmic gymnastics ribbon.

Olympic rhythmic Gymnastics

Olympic gymnastics as a sport began in the Soviet Union in the 1940s. They were the first ones to fuse the original concepts with ballet. In 1961 rhythmic gymnastics was first recognized and went through a few different names: First modern gymnastics, then rhythmic sportive gymnastics, and finally rhythmic gymnastics. The first World Championships for individuals were in 1963, then groups in 1967. Finally the Olympics recognized rhythmic gymnastics in 1984 with an individual all around competition in the Los Angeles Olympics.

Rhythmic Gymnastic Supplies

Supplies for rhythmic gymnastics can be found in specialty stores throughout the Web. They provide the various apparatus necessary to participate in the sport. Every single prop used in rhythmic gymnastics can be found not only in different colors but in different sizes. Many are labeled a child, junior and senior or some variation of that sizing. There are also specialty shops that sell costumes for rhythmic gymnastics. Typically an outfit is much more showy or flashy than in artistic gymnastics. Many rhythmic gymnasts will wear dresses and have pants and tops that fit looser than the average leotard. This allows for more variation and individuality to be put into the performer’s costume. It will also allow for the apparel to fit the theme of the chosen music and apparatus. A ribbon performer may desire a dress that has a more flowing and elegant look to it than would a club performer. The options will also be more pleasing to the young child because they get more fun designs and colors. Of course many outfits are also just as revealing as a leotard but also more easily homemade than a leotard would be.