Rhythmic gymnastics is a sport that combines elements of gymnastics, dance, and calisthenics. It is performed mostly by women and involves the use of small hand apparatuses such as a hoop, ball, clubs, ribbon, and rope. The gymnasts must be strong, flexible, agile, dexterous, and coordinated. Rhythmic gymnastics is governed by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG), which first recognized it as a sport in 1963. It became an Olympic sport in 1984, with an individual all-around event, and the group all-around competition was added to the Olympics in 1996.
The sport is judged on artistry, execution of skills, and difficulty of skills, for which the gymnasts gain points. There are no compulsory elements at the elite and international levels in rhythmic gymnastics, although at least two superior moves and six elements of difficulty are expected to be executed in any one exercise. Flexibility and musical interpretation are important elements in a rhythmic exercise.
Rhythmic gymnastics originated in Europe during the 19th century and has since evolved into an Olympic sport. The credit for inventing rhythmic gymnastics goes to the Swedish educator Per Henrik Ling, who developed a system of exercises. Lings system focused on the harmonious combination of physical movement and music, which laid the foundation for the development of rhythmic gymnastics.
Rhythmic gymnastics is the perfect sport to build body awareness and coordination skills that will assist in the development of athletic potential for any individual. It is a discipline combining grace, coordination, agility, and artistry. The handling of apparatus while performing complex turns, pivots, balances, and contortionist-like movements are characteristic trademarks of this intriguing gymnastics discipline.
In summary, rhythmic gymnastics is a sport that combines gymnastics, dance, and calisthenics, performed mostly by women, and involves the use of small hand apparatuses. It is judged on artistry, execution of skills, and difficulty of skills, and originated in Europe during the 19th century. It is a discipline combining grace, coordination, agility, and artistry, and is the perfect sport to build body awareness and coordination skills.
