Gymnastics
A Sport That Combines Ballet, Dance and Gymnastics
Rhythmic Gymnastics as a sport offers a perfect combination of ballet, gymnastics and dance. It also involves the use of various apparatus manipulations by the gymnasts such as rope, ball, hoop, ribbon, clubs and Free (without apparatus). Rhythmic gymnastics is filled with glamour, class, and art. It combines the elegance of ballet dance with the theatrical drama feel to cast a spell on the audience. Its artistic aspirations and physical activity blur the boundaries that exist between art and sport. The rhythmic gymnasts enchant the audience and judges with their delicate maneuvers and complicated exercises whilst handling apparatus such as the rope, hoop, ball, clubs, and ribbon.
There can be single or group rhythmic gymnastics competitions. Either one gymnast using apparatus performs for one and a half minutes, or a group of five gymnasts perform a group routine with five different apparatus for 2 and a half minutes. In both cases, the performances of the gymnasts are accompanied by music.
The two important aspects of rhythmic gymnastics are flexibility and interpretation of musical notes. However, what sets the rhythmic gymnastics sport routine apart from others is the risk level a gymnast performer takes during the performance. This often includes unique use of apparatus, throwing it several feet into the air while performing various breathtaking gymnastic movements, acrobatic maneuvers, leaps or turns before catching the apparatus.
The professional rhythmic gymnasts perform routine unique from others. It is likely to involve risky throws and catches, extreme skills or flexibility, or complicated routine choreography.
Major Rhythmic Gymnastics Sport Events
Rhythmic gymnastics sport becomes a part of various events that take place at the national and international levels. This allows the gymnasts to showcase their talent to the world. The major events include the following:
- National Championship
- Commonwealth Games
- World Cup
- World Championships
- World Challenge Cup
- University Games
- Junior World championship
- Junior Olympic Games
- Olympic Games
Elements of Rhythmic Gymnastics Sport
Some of the common elements of rhythmic gymnastics sport include the following:
- Jumps and leaps
- Balances
- Throws and catches
- Pivots
- Dance steps
The rhythmic gymnasts are always moving on their apparatus during routines and using great control of the body while executing their performance.