Beginning rythmic Gymnastics Routines
rythmic gymnastics is a specialized form of gymnastics that remains in a league of its own. Many competitors choose to perform a broad spectrum of gymnast moves, but others turn their attention to this unique combination of graceful moves and skillful manipulation of gymnast equipment.
Athletes who decide to pursue rythmic gymnastics must first execute basic moves on the mat, the floor, the rope, and the conventional techniques that are important to general gymnastics. They often begin as young children, even before starting school, and join a community or preschool tumbling class. There they learn to do forward and backward rolls, somersaults, gymnastics splits and other lithe movements that teach coordination, balance, and flexibility. If these youngsters stay with it, they continue to take tumbling or gymnastic classes in school or in the community, often affiliated with YMCA programs or dance studios. There they learn more complex moves like handsprings or headstands that help to further improve their bodily control and artistic performance.
In high school, some gymnasts begin to specialize for the purposes of local and regional competition. Noting the requirements for various types of specializations, they practice mainly under those guidelines, occasionally adding basic moves to help them stay toned and balanced. At this point they learn how to use regulation clubs, a ribbon, a rope, hoops, and a ball, although just four of these are included in the major competitive events.
A beginner in a specialty area will need to fine-tune her technique. She will focus on her own bodily movements, including jumps, balance, and poise as well as demonstrating control of the four elements indicated above. The objective is to use these items in an artistic performance that suggests graceful movement and feminine utilization of the gymnastics equipment. Gymnastics’ rythmic emphasis plays a big role in preparing for competition under these criteria.
When working with clubs, for example, a woman should get used to their weight and grasp. She can experiment with a variety of moves and holds to find the ones that work best for her routine, blending them with an attractive combination of personal moves to create a masterpiece of motion. The same approach will hold true for her inventive work with the rings, ribbon, ball, and rope. Each piece of equipment offers a new set of challenges that will take time to master. As the competitor learns to use each piece with confidence and competence, working seamlessly with the gymnastics floor music, she will take one step closer to the professional competition that could make or break her athletic career.
rythmic gymnastics are not for the faint of heart or for those who are looking for an easy road to success. Rather, this mode of performance should be reserved for the woman who is searching for the next professional challenge and is willing to work hard to meet it. If you are a gymnast who wants to consider rythmic gymnastics, talk to your coach or a mentor about the demanding rigors of this sport and whether you have what it takes to hit the big time. If not, at least you will find out early enough to avoid wasting years of practice that may take you nowhere. But if you do have a spark of genius, now is the time to find out so you can give it all you’ve got to make your bid for athletic success.
Take Care,
Murray Hughes
