What is Rhythmic Gymnastics?

Rhythmic Gymnastics

Rhythmic Gymnastics is a beautiful and elegant sport. Rhythmic Gymnastics routines containing many dance and ballet characteristics are performed to music using hand apparatus such as rope, ball, hoop, clubs and ribbon by individuals, pairs, trios or group of gymnasts.

Rhythmic gymnastics is a challenging and exiting activity for all children. Rhythmic Gymnastics focuses on body awareness and hand-eye coordination, team spirit, confidence building and problem solving.

Rhythmic Gymnastics provides children with the unique opportunity to express themselves to music, and the chance to compete at National and International level competitions.

Rhythmic Gymnastics in Australia

Rhythmic Gymnastics in Australia has a national system of Levels which provides an opportunity for gymnasts of different levels and ability to enjoy the sport. Young gymnasts start from Level 0 and can grow up to Level 10. Older gymnasts can also enter Rhythmic Gymnastics, their ability will be assessed and they can start to do a more advanced level than young gymnasts.

International Rhythmic Gymnastics

In international competitions gymnasts compete in two categories: Juniors - under 16 and Seniors 16 years old and over. Usually gymnasts start to train when they are 5-6 years old but later start is also possible.

History of Rhythmic Gymnastics

It is believed that Rhythmic gymnastics was originated in 19th Sweden and Germany. Rhythmic Gymnastics as a competitive sport appeared in 1950’s. In 1961, Rhythmic Gymnastics was recognized by Federation of International Gymnastics. Since 1980, Rhythmic Gymnastics became a part of Olympic Games.

Worldwide popularity or Rhythmic Gymnastics

Rhythmic gymnastics is a global sport and is extremely popular in many countries. In many countries rhythmic gymnastics is even more popular than women’s artistic gymnastics.

Below are the countries where rhythmic gymnastics is very popular and which successfully compete on international level: North and South America: Canada, United States, Argentina and Brazil. Europe: France, Italy, Greece, Bulgaria countries of former Yugoslavia, Germany, England, Spain, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Poland, Netherlands, Turkey, Israel, Georgia, Switzerland, Austria, Hungry, Moldova, Lithuania Asia: Japan, Malaysia, China Central Asia: Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan Oceania: Australia, New Zealand. Africa: South Africa and Egypt

Men' Rhythmic Gymnastics

While Rhythmic gymnastics is perceived to be only female sport there is strong development in creating oficial rhythmic gymnastics for men. Men's rhythmic gymnastics involves tumpling and performed on a spring floor. Apparatus includes: rope, stick, double rings and clubs. In group routines gymnasts don't use any apparatus. The following countries participate in man's rhythmic gymnastics: Japan, Malaysia, Korea, Canada and United States.

If you are interested in commencing Rhythmic Gymnastics or any other Glen Iris Gymnastics program, please click here to contact Tatiana Loukianenko, Glen Iris Gymnastics managing director.