Rhythmic Gymnastics

Rhythmic gymnastics arose from the ideas of a number of people. The styles and ideas of all these innovators were combined into the Swedish school of this form of gymnastics. Later dance elements from Finland were added.

The sport began in the 1940's in the Soviet Union. Gymnastics is a sport that combines elements of ballet, gymnastics, theatrical dance, and apparatus manipulation. There for the first time the spirit of sports was combined with the sensuousness of classical ballet.

The FIG (Federation of International Gymnasts) recognized this discipline in 1961. This branch of gymnastics is a sport in which single competitors or pairs, trios or even more (generally five) manipulate one or two apparatus: Rope, Hoop, Ball, Clubs and Ribbon.

This form is largely a discipline for women and girls but a growing number of men participate in a few countries. The judges look for the same physical abilities and skills as their female counterparts such as hand/body-eye co-ordination, but tumbling, strength, power and martial arts skills are the main focus, as opposed to flexibility and the dance skills of the women's competition. Male participation is growing. Men compete solo and or in a team. This sport is most popular in Asia.

Men's rhythmic gymnastics is related to both men's artistic gymnastics and Wushu martial arts. The form developed in Japan from stick gymnastics.

Individuals compete on four apparatus, the double rings, the stick, the rope and the clubs. Groups do not use any apparatus. The Japanese version includes tumbling on a spring floor.

Individuals usually start training at a very young age and typcally peak in their late teens or early twenties.

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