Photo of by Grace Chiu Zeng by Grace of Laura Photo

Laura Zeng www.usagym.org WHAT IS RHYTHMIC Rhythmic is a wonderful activity for chil- GYMNASTICS? dren. A variety of benefits can be achieved through participating in rhythmic gymnastics even before GETTING STARTED! Do you want to learn the ropes and get the ball rolling entering the competitive levels, and children are im- with a thrilling new program for your club without jump­ mediately drawn to the music and movement with the ing through hoops, but will help you tie a ribbon on the hand equipment. The most important aspects of - success of your business? Get a rope, ball, clubs, hoop nastics are aiding children in their physical, mental and ribbon and start a rhythmic gymnastics program! and social development and allowing them to have fun and be free with their imagination and creativi- With some space, a few hoops and balls to start, and ty. If your program achieves these objectives, you a curriculum of basic skills, a rhythmic gym- are well on your way! Be sure to take the time nastics program can be born. At the to develop your program’s curriculum, priori- basic level, rhythmic gymnastics tize safety, and communicate with your athletes and is all about developing physi- their parents. cal fitness, strength, flexibility, agility, balance and eye-hand- FOR WHOM IS RHYTHMIC foot-coordination—all of which girls GYMNASTICS? and women of all ages seek for their own Rhythmic gymnastics is really a sport for EVERYONE! health and physical well-being. By starting When I decided to create my program, with basic body positions and apparatus skills I wanted to make the sport avail- through progressions and interactive games, able to everyone who want­ed to girls will have fun and develop their abilities in try it! Over the past nine the sport of rhythmic gymnastics. years we have offered To start out, only basic gymnastics equipment, such as folding mats or any area and either tradition- satellite pro- al or alternative hand apparatus, is needed. This basic grams in various local equipment helps for teaching introductory skills and preschools, after school pro- progressions for each of the apparatus. Using a step-by- grams, camps, schools or step approach allows a coach or facility (existing schools and every club, dance space, local open for other sports, Park child we worked with has enjoyed Districts, etc.) to implement a program more easily and it and benefited from it! grow as needed. Our current offering of classes includes options for all ages from three to 18 A typical session may run 8–12 weeks. Recreational and all levels from recreational kids to elite gymnasts classes may meet one or two times per week, enabling who train and compete in international competitions. girls to achieve tangible goals within each session. A ses- sion can begin at any time but usually starts as fall, STRUCTURE OF A RHYTHMIC winter, or spring sessions. Many gyms offer introductory GYMNASTICS PROGRAM summer programs or weekly Clubs should develop their programs and class of- camps when enrollment is ferings to meet the needs of their clients and the typically lower. community. Below are examples of various lev- els, and often rhythmic clubs give tailored names to these general levels (ex: Lil’ Leapers, Rising WHY PARTICIPATE Stars, etc.) IN RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS? • Preschool rhythmic gymnastics—the focus is When we ask our new clients why development of gross and fine motor skills using they chose rhythmic gymnastics, structured activities, obstacle courses, music and the parents tell us they want a sport alternative apparatus to learn coordination, body that develops “everything”: flex- awareness, basic body positions and shapes. ibility, strength, coordination, beauty, self-confidence, mental power and • Recreational rhythmic gymnastics—a club may discipline in a safe, injury-free environ- choose to divide this group of athletes by age or ment. The kids keep it simple: BECAUSE skill level, such as beginner, intermediate and IT’S FUN! advanced. Typically athletes in these classes are school-age children. A curriculum may focus on • Low-risk basic skills and progression with the body and • Develops physical fitness, eye-hand with each of the five apparatuses. and foot-eye coordination, motor • Pre-competitive and competitive rhythmic gym- skills, rhythm nastics teams—USA Gymnastics provides struc- • Develops life skills: teamwork, ture for Levels 1–8. Levels 1 and 2 are develop- self-confidence, responsibility, mental levels and can be used as non-competitive, goal-setting, sportsmanship and friendship achievement-oriented programming or pre-team. • Fun and beneficial Levels 3–8 are partof the Junior Olympic Program o We have observed over the years that and include a compulsory component. Rhythmic Gymnastics gently sculpts

continued... the young girl’s body and mind into a lean, graceful, poised, confident young woman. The Rhythmic Gymnastics equipment au- tomatically corrects the body posture and the proper basic technique in children as young as three years old. For instance, if they do not straighten their knees, the ball will not roll on their legs. They kids are simply “playing,” sometimes they don’t even get that they are exercising or learn- ing new skills.

• Engaging o Though ballet is the foundation of the sport, for many young, preschool-age children, it is often difficult for very active children to do repetitive barre work/floor work. Rhythmic gymnastics offers the chance to develop those skills while also being able to have more dynamic move- ment as well as utilize hand apparatus to help develop grace, coordination, strength and flexibility. o In a class setting with 10 children (for ex- ample), all 10 children can be working at the same time with apparatus on the car- pet. There is little to no waiting in line to take turns or be spotted which becomes a great use of class time, when the majority of class time is spent moving and learning through movement.

• Develops creativity, musicality, artistry o Because music is such a regular part of the sport (used for all routines), rhythmic gymnastics offers a nice opportunity to develop musicality. o Rhythmic has not only the athletic as- pects, but also has the creative process of finding music that matches the athlete, choreographing the routine to interpret and express that piece of music and finally to creating a leotard and equipment that the young girl’s body and mind into a lean, finishes this piece of art. It is an all-inclu- • Rhythmic Gymnastics Levels 1 and 2 Workbook graceful, poised, confident young woman. sive form of the arts: music, movement, and Training DVD: a package which provides ex- The Rhythmic Gymnastics equipment au- design. This makes it different from other amples for beginning developmental skills. tomatically corrects the body posture and sports, from ballet or from as • Rhythmic Compulsory Program Materials: an the proper basic technique in children as it combines aspects from all. entry point into learning rhythmic gymnastics young as three years old. For instance, if routines, the set contains examples of body and they do not straighten their knees, the ball apparatus skills and routines for Levels 3–5. will not roll on their legs. They kids are EQUIPMENT Rhythmic gymnastics equipment/apparatus: • Rhythmic Developmental Coaches Course simply “playing,” sometimes they don’t even get that they are exercising or learn- • Rope • Rhythmic Junior Olympic Coaches Course ing new skills. • Hoop • Ball • Clubs • Engaging • Ribbon o Though ballet is the foundation of the sport, for many young, preschool-age Developmental rhythmic gymnasts also love to have fun children, it is often difficult for very active and learn with alternative rhythmic equipment: scarves, children to do repetitive barre work/floor bean bags, balloons, Koosh balls, scoops, sponge work. Rhythmic gymnastics offers the balls, , punch balls, etc. (See How To chance to develop those skills while also Start a Rhythmic Program and Building Blocks.) being able to have more dynamic move- ment as well as utilize hand apparatus to HOW DO I START help develop grace, coordination, strength A PROGRAM/ and flexibility. LEARN SKILLS? o In a class setting with 10 children (for ex- The courses offered through USA ample), all 10 children can be working at Gymnastics University and the materi- the same time with apparatus on the car- als referenced below provide a wealth pet. There is little to no waiting in line to of information to help you get started take turns or be spotted which becomes a and are the best available for rhythmic great use of class time, when the majority gymnastics. All of these courses and of class time is spent moving and learning materials are available through the USA through movement. Gymnastics website (usagym.org).

• Fundamentals of Gymnastics Instruc- • Develops creativity, musicality, artistry tion—This online educational course o Because music is such a regular part of provides a wealth of information on topics the sport (used for all routines), rhythmic ranging from safety to coaching principles to gymnastics offers a nice opportunity to curriculum development and also includes develop musicality. video clips of beginning and intermediate gym- o Rhythmic has not only the athletic as- nastics movements and skills. pects, but also has the creative process • How To Start A Rhythmic Program and Build- of finding music that matches the athlete, ing Blocks: A Developmental Approach to choreographing the routine to interpret Pre-School Rhythmic Gymnastics: includes and express that piece of music and finally information about getting programs started, to creating a leotard and equipment that teaching classes, and keeping interest. ...continued

“I recommend allowing a 10 –15 min- Rhythmic Gymnastics ute session during your regular rec- WHAT HAS reational gymnastics classes in which RHYTHMIC students may work with the ribbon, hoop GYMNASTICS and ball with music. Immediately you will DONE FOR YOUR see the excitement and joy on their faces.” ATHLETES? “Rhythmic has given them discipline, poise, — Alla Svirsky, School of Gymnastics, Olympic a good work ethic, time management skills, ability coach & USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame member to accept constructive criticism, concentration skills, lots of local, national and international friendships. “Start by having a tot class and an older class. As you Rhythmic has taught them about good sportsman- gauge the interest, you can create a Pre-Team level that ship, the ability to overcome adversity, and delayed focuses on preparing the gymnasts for Level 3 or 4 de- pending on ability. There are great r sources out there gratification.” to get a curriculum started. Most importantly when you — Isadora Rhythmic Gymnastics, NY start... it needs to be fun! Kids LOVE dancing with the ribbons. It is important to educate yourself as much as “The program that we have developed is based on a sim- possible. Read though the handbooks online, watch some ple but very powerful idea: we empower children to reach competitions. Many folks are unaware of rhythmic and the BEYOND what they think is possible. They go home after their benefits it offers. The video offers a way to catch people’s first class in awe at what their bodies learned to do! We al- attention and hopefully engage their curiosity. Aware- ways have one more new trick to teach with the equipment, ness is key: participate in a community event, parade, which keeps them engaged and interested in the sport.” or festival.“ — Rhythmic Dreams, MA — Melissa Bert, North Shore Academy “Training in rhythmic gymnastics teaches gymnasts to be “When I started the program, I knew almost nothing about especially deliberate in the control of both their body and the sport. I learned it ‘on the go,’ from the professional equipment. Working in groups of two, four, or six chil- coaches I hired. The beauty of it is that this sport does not dren develops a positive spirit and encourages camaraderie require a big initial financial investment. One can start a with teammates.” program with a set of 12 hoops, balls, ribbons and ropes in — Los Angeles School of Gymnastics, CA a school classroom!” — Smaranda Moisescu, Rhythmic Dreams “We have gotten to watch our athletes grow in many ways. I have watched artistic gymnasts come “The girls are divided by age and ability. In the Queens and learn to move freely with expression. Incorporating the gym they are categorized by leotard color. i.e. pink, blue, ballet technique has added elegance and precision to move- red, black, etc.” ment. Rhythmic teaches excellent hand-eye coordination that — Yvonne Cleland, Isadora can be perfected by the thought of scientific principles and much determination. Confidence comes as gymnasts learn Remember to contact a Mentor Club and reach out for routines and skills that they master. Even the quiet, reserved assistance! All of the clubs are eager to help you devel- gymnast can go to the floor and perform a beautiful routine.” op your program! — North Shore Academy of Gymnastics, WI ...continued

“When I started the program, I knew are very organized and always good almost nothing about the sport. I students. Rhythmic also provides a type of Original photo by Tom Theobold Rhythmic Gymnastics learned it ‘on the go,’ from the musical education and brings out both inner professional coaches I hired. The and outer beauty.” beauty of it is that this sport does – North Shore Rhythmics, IL MENTOR CLUB LIST not require a big initial financial investment. One can start a program “We have gotten to watch our athletes with a set of 12 hoops, balls, grow in many ways. I have watched artistic gymnasts come and learn to move freely with TRACEY CALLAHAN MOLNAR OAKLAND RHYTHMICS ribbons and ropes in a school (Rhythmic Author and Coach) Contact: Karyn Glover classroom!” expression. Incorporating the ballet technique – Smaranda Moisescu, Rhythmic Dreams has added elegance and precision to movement. [email protected] [email protected] Rhythmic teaches excellent hand-eye coordination Location: Michigan “The girls are divided by age that can be perfected by the thought of scientific WENDY HILLIARD and ability. In the Queens principles and much determination. Confidence Wendy Hilliard Gymnastics Foundation gym they are categorized by comes as gymnasts learn routines and skills that they [email protected] RHYTHMIC BRAINS leotard color. i.e. pink, blue, master. Even the quiet, reserved gymnast can go to the www.rhythmicbrains.shinoharaacademy.org red, black, etc.” floor and perform a beautiful routine.” Contact: Nancy & Shino Shinohara – Yvonne Cleland, Isadora – North Shore Academy of Gymnastics, WI BALA GYMNASTICS www.balagymnastics.com [email protected] Remember to contact a “I started the program a short time after I moved to the Contact: Valeriya Neikova Shopa Location: Mentor Club and States. I have been a rhythmic gymnast my entire life, and [email protected] reach out for coached in before I moved here. I had a reunion Location: Pennsylvania assistance! All of the with some of my first generations of girls here in the U.S. RHYTHMIX clubs are eager to help (some of them are moms, some of them are married, some www.rhythmixinc.com you develop your program! are in college, some are working) and I have to say that BOSTON RHYTHMICS/ Contact: Irina Polyachenko they all have become wonderful young women, living RHYTHMIC DREAMS What has rhythmic with a purpose. The goals vary, but they all have one www.rhythmicdreams.com [email protected] gymnastics done for your Contact: Smaranda Moisescu Location: Illinois athletes? [email protected] Location: Massachusetts “Rhythmic has given them discipline, poise, a good work SAN DIEGO RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS ethic, time management skills, ability to accept constructive mentors and mentor clubs criticism, concentration skills, lots of local, national and ELITE SPORTS COMPLEX ACADEMY tracey callahan molnar www.sandiegorhythmicgymnastics.com international friendships. Rhythmic has taught them about (rhythmic author and coach) www.elitesportscomplex.com good sportsmanship, the ability to overcome adversity, [email protected] Contact: Joni Spata Contact: Alla Zubkis and delayed gratification.” [email protected] [email protected] – Isadora Rhythmic Gymnastics, NY rhythmic dreams Location: Illinois Location: California “The program that we have developed is based on a www.rhythmicdreams.com simple but very powerful idea: we empower children to Contact: Smaranda Moisescu FREEDOM RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS reach BEYOND what they think is possible. They go home ACADEMY SAN DIEGO RHYTHMS [email protected] after their first class in awe at what their bodies learned to www.freedomrgacademy.com www.sdrhythms.com do! We always have one more new trick to teach with the Contact: Lilly Esipova Downs Contact: Minevich san diego rhythms equipment, which keeps them engaged and interested in [email protected] [email protected] the sport.” www.sdrhythms.com Location: New Jersey Location: California – Rhythmic Dreams, MA Contact: Sofia Minevich • [email protected] “Training in rhythmic gymnastics teaches gymnasts to be NORTH SHORE ACADEMY OF especially deliberate in the control of both their body and north shore academy of gymnastics TAMPA BAY RHYTHMICS GYMNASTICS www.tampabayrhythmics.com equipment. Working in groups of two, four, or six children www.northshoregymnastics-wi.com www.northshoregymnastics-wi.com develops a positive spirit and encourages camaraderie Melissa Bert • [email protected] Contact: Melissa Bert Contact: Tyana Marlowe with teammates.” [email protected] [email protected] – Los Angeles School of Gymnastics, CA oakland rhythmics Location: Wisconsin Location: Florida “Body posture, flexibility, dexterity, an ability to adjust to Karyn Glover • [email protected] situations and overcome obstacles in life. Our gymnasts Caroline Hunt Jayme Vincent [email protected] [email protected] USA Gymnastics USA Gymnastics Senior Director of Rhythmic Program Rhythmic Program Coordinator 317-829-5629 317.829.5662

www.usagym.org • 317.237.5050 • 130 E. Washington Street • Suite 700 • Indianapolis, Indiana 46204