Gymnastic Classes

‘ In fact, this rather vague definition often has to be used to identify rhythmic gymnastics. To so many people, gymnastics spells artistic gymnastics, they think of the vault, the beam and the bars. It would seem that each forum is characterized by its apparatus, the artistic gymnasts perform on their large fixed apparatus, whilst the rhythmic gymnasts perform with their small hand apparatus. Interestingly, it is the apparatus which comes to mind, but what is important in rhythmic gymnastics is not only what is done with the apparatus, but what the body does together with the apparatus. Throwing and catching the apparatus is a very risky procedure, made more difficult by the gymnasts turning, leaping or rolling whilst the apparatus is in the air, but the body elements and the apparatus elements are of equal importance in this sport, and we will look at the technique of some of the fundamental skills later. I suppose participation in any activity involves some financial cost, if only t …

Having discussed briefly the fundamentals of the apparatus techniques and body elements, we turn now to the aspect of music, a very important part of rhythmic gymnastics. All the exercises are performed to music and all the work in performance should be a direct reflection of the music, be it classical, jazz, rock ‘n roll or whatever. It is not imperative to be a musician to be a rhythmic gymnast or coach, but it most certainly helps if you have a sense of rhythm and you appreciate and understand music, if only a little. Simply to know the difference between beats, and be able to count or tap out a basic 2/4 or 3/4 rhythm helps i.e. to recognize whether there are two beats or three beats in the bar. This is important in understanding and feeling the type of movement which suits the two or three beat type of music, because they are very different. Three beat music is essentially a waltz time, and whether played quickly or slowly it suggest a lilting or swaying movement, whereas the two …

Pull the weight sharply forwards and upwards whilst rising up on to the toes of your front foot, at the same time opening the front arm out to the side and swinging your straight back leg in a circular movement round to the front, then bending your knee to bring the foot in to touch the other knee. The turn has now been initiated and should be smooth but strong. Once the action has been started, both arms go up above the head into the fifth position (both arms overhead in a curved position, palms facing each other). Current regulations within the Code of Points demand that pivot turns should be specifically included in all exercises. In fact, all body elements should be present throughout and it would be extremely advisable to demonstrate at least three different types of each body element. From the basic pivot technique that is described above, variation by way of turning towards the supporting leg can be practiced, or way from the supporting leg can be practiced, or, by increasing t …