Rhythmic Gymnastics
Rhythmic gymnastics is a highly artistic women's competitive gymnastics. It using that women's beautiful natural body shapes as the basis, to perform various rhythmic artistic modelling actions under music, so as to develop the flexibility of women's bodies, form correct and healthy body shapes, and enhance the artistry of human movements and coordination.
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The rhythmic gymnastics are frequently accompanied with 5 main items of rhythmic gymnastics which are rope, ball, hoop, ribbon, and club. It is the combination of the essence of ballet, modern dance, folk dance and acrobatics. It can cultivate athletes' qualities such as strength, dexterity, and rhythm. From a psychological and physical point of view, it is more in line with the requirements of women's exercise. It is a sport that is popular with modern women.
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Although also the gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics are difference with artistic gymnastics. The core of rhythmic gymnastics is all about presentation and style such as, the rhythmic gymnasts perform routines of leaps, contortions, and dance that flow in time in music. On the other hand, artistic gymnastics is more technical, rewarding precise movements and athletic strength when compare to rhythmic gymnastics. Only women compete at the Olympic level in rhythmic gymnastics, while both genders compete in separate competitions in artistic gymnastics.
Rhythmic Gymnastics Apparatus
Ball
Material
Rubber or synthetic material (pliable plastic).
Diameter
It is from 18 to 20 cm.
Weight
Minimum weight of 400 g.
Colour
It can be any colour.
Fundamental requirements
The routine of ball includes throwing, bouncing or rolling. The gymnast must use both hands and work on the whole floor area whilst showing continuous flowing movement. The ball is sometimes placed on their back while the gymnast does a skill such as a walk-over.
Hoop
Material
Plastic or wood.
Interior diameter
It is from 51 to 90 cm. Generally, the diameter of the hoop should be between gymnast’s hips and waist.
Weight
Minimum weight of 300 g.
Colour
It can be any colour or both colour in a hoop. Gold and silver are allowed since 1997.
Fundamental requirements
The routine of hoop includes rotation around the hand or body and rolling, as well as swings, circles, throws, and passes through and over the hoop. The most impressive action is high throw the hoop and show the complex techniques before catch back the hoop.
Ribbon
Stick
Material
Bamboo, plastic or wood.
Width
1 cm.
Length
Maximum length of 10 cm.
Colour
It can be any colour. Gold and silver are allowed since 1997.
Ribbon
Material
Satin or other similar material.
Width
4 - 6 cm.
Weight
At least 35 g.
Length
6 m for senior and 5 m for junior
Colour
It can be any colour. Gold and silver are allowed since 1997.
Fundamental requirements
The routines of ribbon require the ribbon to constantly be in motion. Compulsory elements for the ribbon include flicks, circles, snakes and spirals, and throws. It requires a high degree of coordination to form the spirals and circles. The gymnast needs to prevent ribbon come out with knots.
Club
Material
Plastic or rubber.
Length
40 cm to 50 cm from one end to the other. Generally, the length of clubs should not exceed the distance between the gymnast’s wrist and shoulder.
Weight
At least 150 g.
Colour
It can be any colour. Both clubs can be in different colour. Gold and silver are allowed since 1997.
Fundamental requirements
The routines of hoop require the highly rhythm of the gymnast and psychomotor coordination to execute some high-level actions. Compulsory elements for the hoop include mills, rolls, twists and throws with holding both of the clubs
Rope
Material
Hemp or synthetic material.
Length
Most of the rope has standard length with 3 m for gymnast under 180 cm tall. The gymnast needed to stand on the rope, the knots should be between underarms and shoulders. Then cut the rope on both sides so that the center of the rope is not moved.
Colour
It can be any colour. Gold and silver are allowed since 1997.
Fundamental requirements
The routines of rope include leaps and skipping. Other elements include swings, throws, circles, rotations and figures of eight. The gymnast needs to show their actions in suppleness, agility and elegance.