Rhythmic Gymnastics brings a young girls quest for fun and creative outlet into the gym, in an environment where girls can develop in a social environment with their friends.
Rhythmic is a fantastic sport to build a child's co-ordination, in addition to developing poise, balance, agility and posture.
The sport provides the opportunity for gymnasts to express their own personality and expression, whilst learning new skills along the way, keeping them interested and active.
Fundamental requirements include leaps over the rope and skipping. Other elements include swings, throws, circles, rotations and figures of eight. The rope must be held lightly so that all movements and characteristics of this apparatus may be performed. These may be performed with the rope open, or folded, in one or two hands, or in several directions.
As a gymnastics apparatus, rhythmic takes the object far beyond the limitations of the old 'hula hoop'. Built around the fundamental requirements of rotating around the hands and body and rolling, there are is abundant variety of movements a gymnast may perform, including throws, swings, circles, figures of 8 and catches (with the hand, foot, leg, arm or even the neck!). Whilst showing a high level of continuity, the gymnast must also show variety in the speed and execution of dance step, hops and jumps throughout a routine.
An apparatus which brings ball activities out of the house and into a more appropriate environment in the gym! A ball routine is based around the fundamental elements of throwing, bouncing and rolling, where a gymnast is required to utilise the full floor and both their hands, showing a continuous flowing movement.
Characterised by rhythmical tapping, you have truly mastered coordination after mastering the clubs. Based around the fundamental elements of mills and small circles, coordination is essential in successfully undertaking swings, circles, asymetrical movements as well as throwing and catching.
The most associated apparatus with rhythmic is of course the ribbon which can capture the imagination of any young girl. A gymnast must ensure movements with the 6 metre long ribbon are large, smooth and flowing, with coordination existing as a crucial skill factor. Fundamental elements include swings, circles, serpants and spirals, which often provide a number of great visuals.
NSW COMPETITION LEVELS 2019
Rhythmic gymnastics consists of levels and international competition for individuals as well as providing Multiples, where girls are able to practise, train and compete with their friends.
The rhythmic levels system consists of levels 1-10. Levels 1-6 see the young gymnasts develop their fundamental skills with the apparatus. Levels 1-10 compete at a State level. There is a national competition for Levels 5-9 in 2019.
Level 10 gymnasts are able to compete Nationally at the Australian Championships.
There are two divisions leading into the International levels. Sub Junior (10-11yrs) and Pre Junior (11-13yrs).
The two international levels of competition for rhythmic gymnastics is the Junior International division, and the Senior International division, as the highest form of rhythmic competition.
In multiples, gymnasts are able to compete with their friends in trios and groups, interacting with each other via the apparatus'. Gymnasts will compete in Categories 1-5, which are divided according to age.
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