What is Rhythmic Gymnastics?

Updated: Mar 6, 2021

I like to organise my blog categories and kickstart them with a prologue.

To me, a prologue doesn't necessarily equate to an introduction but rather my personal stand about a particular category. A disclaimer, bluntly put.

Here is my prologue of Rhythmic Gymnastics: a dualism of sports and arts.

Rhythmic gymnastics is a member of the gymnastics family, indicating the need for body elements such as flexibility, balance, strength, hand-and-eye coordination, you name it.

Flexibility is the core requirement of rhythmic gymnastics. Here is Ekaterina Fetisova from Uzbekistan, showing off her extreme back flexibility in her hoop routine. Photograph by Indrek Kask Photos via Facebook — Ekaterina Fetisova (UZB)

As for arts, rhythmic gymnastics encompasses music choice, expressions, story-telling, leotards etc.

Artistry is another core element of rhythmic gymnastics. Here you have Milena Baldassarri, Italian gymnast who is also known for her intense emotions throughout her routine. Photograph by Irene da Rocha via Flickr — Milena Baldassarri (ITA)

First things first.

I am NOT a gymnast (unfortunately) and I'm considered too old to start this sport. For leisure or fitness purposes, perhaps. Competitive wise? BIG NO.

I am an enthusiast of this sport, meaning the only role left for me is a spectator.

A spectator with appraisals and comments: pretty much like everyone :)

I've been following this sport for years. Through my observation, I've learned how to distinguish the good from the decent, be it the routine, difficulty, artistry etc.

Rhythmic gymnastics is a relatively subjective sport.

Being subjective simply means they will never be a universal answer and statement to everything... or anything at all.

I speak from my personal perspective, so don't take my point of views as the standard!

I have many favourite gymnasts that it's impossible to name all in a single blog post. For the sake of listing, my *most-most-most* favourite gymnasts are:

Evgenia Kanaeva, Russia

Evgenia Kanaeva is the only rhythmic gymnast who clinched two Olympic gold in Beijing 2008 and London 2012. Her ribbon routines are phenomenal and breath-taking. Photograph by Tom Theobald. — Evgenia Kanaeva (RUS)

Viktoria Mazur, Ukraine

An Ukrainian gymnast, Viktoria Mazur is known for her elegance and grace. She may not win a lot of medals like her companions, but her clean execution of gymnastics skills are spot on. She is the definition of feminity in rhythmic gymnastics! Photograph by Fanny Cortyl — Viktoria Mazur (UKR)

Yana Kudryavtseva, Russia

Another Russian gymnast, Yana Kudryavtseva is also the epitome of modern rhythmic gymnastics. She is known for her complex yet clean routines. Photograph by Fanny Cortyl — Yana Kudrayavtseva (RUS)

Each of them have their own uniqueness, in which I will share them further in future blog posts. As usual, stay tuned for my coming blog posts and see you all next time!

Signing out,

mypassion.mythoughts (aka rhythmic.palette)

Disclaimer:

mypassion.mythoughts does not own any of the published media unless stated and watermarked otherwise. All media displayed are used on permission by respective photographers and are credited as below. Kindly contact mypassion.mythoughts should you wish to remove any of the media.

Cover image information:

"Dina Averina" by Irene da Rocha

Other images information:

"Ekaterina Fetisova" by Indrek Kask

"Milena Baldassarri" by Irene da Rocha

"Evgenia Kanaeva" by Tom Theobald

"Viktoria Mazur" by Fanny Cortyl

"Yana Kudryavtseva" by Fanny Cortyl