Gymnastic Classes

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 …

In every case, the rolling action must be smooth and continuous and should be performed with elegance and style. This is particularly important consideration for the roll on the floor, for in starting it off the gymnast must bend the knees in order to get low, almost brushing the fingers along the floor, as in a normal ten pin bowling action. This not only ensures a smooth rolling action on the floor, but also looks more elegant than having your bottom stuck up in the air. One the ball is set in motion any body movement may be performed before the ball is collected again. The gymnast could perform a dance step, leaps alongside or over the ball, or add a turn or a body wave as well. Try collecting the ball in a variety of different ways. Here are a few suggestions: 1. Overtake the ball and with a half turn to face it, collect it in one hand, palm upwards. 2. Move alongside the ball and, still facing the same way, collect it with the hand facing backwards, palm upwards. 3. Overtake the …

Of great importance is the actual footwork itself, which must be clean and precise, the steps being very definite in direction and quality. The ankles and feet should be very resilient, much of the work being performed on the toes, particularly the light and springy types of step. Other steps which are perhaps in the Russian or Spanish style are characteristically required to be performed on the flat foot, but must still show the necessary strength and precision. The importance of ballet training becomes apparent not only for the promotion of leg strength, elegance, and upper body work, but particularly for the improvement of foot work. Toes should be pointed, the feet and ankles stretched for the majority of the time, but equally there must be some give in the foot and ankle to provide resilience and bounce. Many of the steps used are in fact derived from ballet and so the terminology used is the same, i.e. all the names are in French. The following are a few examples of the most com …