Rhythmic Gymnastics is aimed above all at young gymnasts, dreaming of space, choreography and bodily expression. An aesthetic discipline par excellence, it is halfway between Art and Sport. Sport through the handling of machines and the physical execution of each exercise, “rhythmics” becomes art when the body in motion becomes imbued with elegance, harmony and beauty.
Gymnasts keen on dance and with the soul of an artist will enjoy evolving in this discipline. ​​​​
Rhythmic gymnastics makes it possible to develop strength, flexibility and balance, without neglecting a certain agility essential for jumps, a keen sense of orientation in space and an artist's dexterity for the handling of machines. . TThe body’s movement as well as the handling of the apparatus requires an irreproachable technique and effort comparable to those required by artistic gymnastics or any other form of dance.
A rhythmic gymnastics routine can be performed individually, or in a group of 5 gymnasts called an “ensemble”.
A GR exercise is performed on a podium, a mat that measures 13 mx 13 m. It must last between 1 minute 15 and 1 minute 30 for individual performer, and between 2 minutes 15 and 2 minutes 30 for groups. Each exercise is accompanied by music.
A choreography must contain jumps (elevation with a well-defined maintained form), pivots (turn on one leg or knee), balances (element on one leg, standing or on the ground, maintained for a minimum of two seconds), flexibility and waves (element requiring great flexibility on the part of the gymnast).
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Five apparatus are used by the gymnasts in their choreography:
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The ball
Weight: 400 g minimum Diameter: 18 to 20 cm
The ball allows the gymnast to show off her grace and gentleness. The ball should never be gripped, but always balanced on the gymnast's hand. He can also roll on his body, on the ground, bounce or even be thrown above the gymnast. The dominant body elements are flexibility and jumps.
The rope
Size: adapted to the morphology of the gymnast The rope does not have a handle, but the gymnast can tie one or two knots at each end.
The rope allows the gymnast to show her dynamism and her endurance! The dominant body elements are jumps and pivots.
Clubs
Size: Between 40 and 50 cm Weight: 150 g each minimum. They are synthetic and can be covered with colored adhesive.
The clubs allow the gymnast to show her dynamism, but also her ability to use both hands. Indeed, the gymnast most often has a club in each hand. The dominant body elements are balances and pivots.
Ribbon
In Satin or non-starched fabric, the size between 6 and 7 m in length for 4 to 6 cm in width. Weight: 35g minimum
The Ribbon allows the gymnast to express her grace in ample and precise movements. It must always be on the move. It is often the preferred apparatus of spectators. The ribbon is indeed the most graceful of apparatus but it is also the most difficult to handle. The dominant body elements are pivots (turn on one leg) and jumps.
The stick (or pole)
Size: 50 to 60 cm long for less than 1 cm in circumference. In bamboo, plastic or fiberglass.
The Hoop
Weight: 300 g minimum, diameter: between 80 and 90 cm. In plastic. It can be covered with colored tape.
The hoop is the most complete apparatus because all the body elements must be balanced during the sequence (flexibility, pivots, jumps and balances).