Facts & History of Rhythmic Gymnastics
Hi,
Did you know rhythmic gymnastics is a specialized form of the classic gymnastic exercises introduced by the ancient Greeks as military training? How many other sports have a rich history like gymnastics?
Rhythmic gymnastics is designated as a form of womens gymnastics today, although there is growing popularity in boys gymnastics, especially in Japan. Rhythmic gymnastics offers an exciting competitive challenge for women who want to excel in the sport.
Five media are used to prepare individual routines; these are the clubs, a ribbon, a rope, a hoop, and a ball. The performance is made on ground level and accentuates the artistic over the athletic skills of each participant. Women who compete in this gymnastics form receive scores up to potentially 30 points, depending on how closely each section meets the standard evaluation criteria.
Women who want to compete in rhythmic gymnastics will need to master the basic moves and techniques first. After studying, practicing, and becoming expert on the regular equipment, they can move on and begin working with the five types of rhythmic options that will be assessed in competition. Each piece of gymnastics equipment used at the competition level must meet certain standards in terms of weight, length, size, and material, so it’s good sense to practice on the same quality of items. For example, the hoop should be made of wood or plastic with a diameter of 80 to 90 cm. Throwing and catching the hoop with a movement in-between are some of the usual ways in which a competitor demonstrates her skills in this area. The clubs, rings, ball and ribbbon likewise must follow standard competition conventions.
The idea behind this type of specialization is to balance the handling of the item with a choreographic routine involving dance-like rhythms or movement. Someone who learns this craft will need to select music that fits the routine in a complementary rather than controlling way. In fact, the way music is used in performance will impact the evaluation score.
Other factors that the judges consider include the degree of difficulty, the composition of the performance, balancing the four types of equipment, and time sequences, with each number comprising between one minute and 15 to 30 seconds. In addition, traditional gymnastic skills of jump, flexibility, and balance, among others, are considered. A solid or lightly printed opaque gymnastics leotard is usually worn rather than anything that is flashy or ornate, yet that is not a rule with more girls breaking from tradition and opting for more vibrant outfits.
Rhythmic gymnastics moves include polished maneuvering of the four types of equipment (of five possible choices) for the performance. Flexibility, deftness, control, strength, and power are some of the characteristics prized by judges and fans. Someone who wants to compete in this area will need to practice often and for long hours to perfect an impressive composition. While fun and fanciful, this type of competition is also rigorous and demanding. No one should prepare for it lightly, but rather, view rhythmic gymnastics moves as the next challenge in an athletic career.
Until next time, remember, be the best gymnastics parent you can be, your child deserves nothing less.
Thanks,
Murray
