RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS
Rhythmic gymnastics is 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.
Benfits of Rhythmic Gymnastics
Physical/Coordination Skills
Develops strength and agility on both sides of the body.
Enhances fine motor skill coordination and manual dexterity development by usinghand apparatus.
Develops gross motor skills by incorporating large body movements such as running,skipping, galloping, jumping, hopping, balancing, turning, and leaping.
Develops strength through gross motor skills.
Develops hand-eye and foot-eye coordination.
Improves flexibility through safely stretching muscle groups prior to static and dynamic activities.
Develops a keen sense of balance.
Develops grace using various dance movements with music
Psychological and Social Skills
Develops social skills in relating with other children while working together in small groups.
Develops skills of interacting with adult (teacher), other than patents, in a positive learning setting.
Enhances positive self-image through the development verbal and physical skills.
Helps gain individuality by the uniqueness of the sport.
Builds self-esteem
Cognitive Skills
Develops an early sense of rhythm as it introduces different styles of and tempos of music.
Develops musicality as it enhances auditory awareness.
Develops spatial awareness through movement in a large space.
Introduces the concept of levels and speeds.
Develops memory retention by teaching various combinations of skills.
Develops directional skills and use of patterns though a variety of techniques with equipment.
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