Gymnastic Classes

The body wave is such a fluid movement that a complete and true ripple through the entire body is extremely difficult. Many gymnasts wave their arms around in the pretence of doing a body wave, but so often the body itself is doing very little. For this reason, I suggest that the learning stage should deal solely with the movement of the spine, with the arms eventually following the movement rather than initiating it. There are a number of practices which will help achieve the right sort of feeling for the body wave. 1. Stand with the feet a little way apart, and with the arms out sideways, try to flatten the back, keeping the head in line with the body. You might need someone to correct your position or stand sideways on to a mirror turning your head to see if you have achieved a completely flat back position. 2. From the position described above, lift the shoulders and round the top part of the spine, pulling the stomach in and pressing the shoulder blades upwards. 3. Relax the knee …

Elements of dance steps, jumps and leaps, pivots and turns, balances, body waves and body bends are the listed essentials. They must be performed with control, lightness, elevation, suppleness and full extension as well as elegance and poise. Whilst there are specific named movements which are recognizable in rhythmic gymnastics (the split leap, the arabesque and the pivot turn, for example) there are endless other movement possibilities within the categories listed, so allowing much freedom for expression and room for originality and invention. The movement combination possible between body and apparatus are seemingly infinite, and the creation of new and unusual movement patterns is both exciting and challenging for the gymnast and for the coach. The recognized pivot turn requires tension and leg strength as with the leaps plus good balance. It is essential that the body stays upright with the weight over the supporting leg; otherwise the gymnast will not maintain balance throughout …