Contents
- What Is Rhythmic Gymnastics?
- A Brief History of Rhythmic Gymnastics
- What Categories Are There in Rhythmic Gymnastics?
- What Levels Are There in Rhythmic Gymnastics?
- What Do You Do in Rhythmic Gymnastics?
- What Clothing Do You Need for Rhythmic Gymnastics?
- What Apparatus Do I Need for Rhythmic Gymnastics?
- What rhythmic gymnastics means and how it differs from other disciplines
- What a rhythmic gymnastics routine looks like from start to finish
- How to start rhythmic gymnastics without the hassle
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Rhythmic Gymnastics?
Rhythmic gymnastics is a sport that combines several elements, such as gymnastics, dance, acrobatics and choreography.
A Brief History of Rhythmic Gymnastics
Its origins date back to the 19th century, when the first movements and expressions were inspired by the Enlightenment thinker Rousseau. Around 1950 the first competitions appeared, the first World Championships were held in 1963, and in 1984 the sport became part of the Olympic programme.
This sport demands a high level of strength, coordination, flexibility and balance. Gymnasts perform a series of routines on a floor, accompanied by music that complements their movements and sets the rhythm. Individual routines last 90 seconds, while group routines (five gymnasts) last 150 seconds.
What Categories Are There in Rhythmic Gymnastics?
The categories in rhythmic gymnastics are divided by age. In Spain, the age categories are:
- Prebenjamín
- Benjamín
- Alevín
- Infantil
- Cadete / Junior
- Juvenil / Senior
Categories and rules vary by country, so please check with your national gymnastics federation.
What Levels Are There in Rhythmic Gymnastics?
In Spain, the levels are designed to suit each gymnast’s abilities and needs:
- Predeportiva
- Iniciación
- Intermedio
- Avanzado
What Do You Do in Rhythmic Gymnastics?
In rhythmic gymnastics, you develop skills such as flexibility, strength, endurance and agility. Routines combine body movement, handling of the apparatus and musical accompaniment.
What Clothing Do You Need for Rhythmic Gymnastics?
In competitions, gymnasts wear leotards approved by the relevant federation, made from stretchy fabrics. Sheer fabrics are not allowed. The typical footwear is toe shoes, and it is recommended to have at least two pairs: one for competing and one for training. Hair should be secured in a bun, using accessories such as hairnets for better hold.
What Apparatus Do I Need for Rhythmic Gymnastics?
The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) chooses which apparatus are used in competitions, selecting four of the five available. In Spain, the RFEG (Royal Spanish Gymnastics Federation) determines the apparatus each season.
The 5 rhythmic gymnastics apparatus are:
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The Ball: Made of rubber or synthetic materials, available in various sizes and weights.
At INDIGO, we always look for the best materials to make quality balls that allow a precise grip and firm movements. Shop our balls
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The Rope: Made of polyester, nylon or other materials, with a length adjustable to the gymnast’s height.
At Indigo we offer 2.5 and 3 metre ropes to suit all levels. Shop our ropes
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The Clubs: Consist of two clubs, shaped like bottles, made of synthetic materials.
Indigo offers several options, from non-connectable clubs for beginners to connectable ones for advanced training. Shop our clubs
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The Ribbon: Consists of a stick and a ribbon, and requires great skill and technique.
Indigo offers ribbons and sticks in various sizes, as well as a wide range of colours. Shop our ribbons
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The Hoop: Made of plastic, often decorated with coloured adhesive tape.
At Indigo we have hoops in all sizes, designed to be durable and resistant. Shop our hoops
What rhythmic gymnastics means and how it differs from other disciplines
If you are looking for the concept of rhythmic gymnastics in a single sentence, it is this: it is a sport in which the gymnast builds a choreography to the rhythm of music and combines it with handling an apparatus. The name explains it fairly well. “Gymnastics” refers to the physical work, and “rhythmic” refers to the constant relationship between movement and music.
As it combines gymnastics, dance, acrobatics and choreography, it is easy to confuse it with other disciplines. These are the clearest differences:
- Artistic gymnastics: usually performed on fixed gym apparatus. In rhythmic gymnastics the apparatus is small and is moved by the gymnast herself throughout the routine.
- Rhythmic dance: shares the importance of music and expression. Rhythmic gymnastics adds technical handling of the apparatus and the physical demands of competition.
- Aesthetic group gymnastics: is closely related to rhythmic gymnastics and has its own identity. If you want to see how they relate, we have an article on what aesthetic group gymnastics is and how it relates to rhythmic gymnastics.
In short, what sets rhythmic gymnastics apart is the combination of body, music and apparatus. None of the three works without the other two.
What a rhythmic gymnastics routine looks like from start to finish
Anyone who has never watched a competition tends to imagine something like a dance performance. What happens on the floor is more complete, and it helps to know what to look for.
What happens on the floor
The gymnast enters with her music and apparatus, and links body movements, apparatus elements and transitions. Everything has to look fluid. That is why, alongside technique, a great deal of work goes into expression and into how each element connects to the next.
Individual or group
| Event | Who takes part | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | One gymnast | 90 seconds |
| Group | Five gymnasts | 150 seconds |
In group routines the picture changes a lot. As well as each gymnast’s technique, synchronisation, formations and apparatus exchanges between teammates all matter.
What you will see in the photos
If you have come looking for rhythmic gymnastics photos, you will quickly notice the recurring elements: the stretchy leotard without sheer fabric, the toe shoes, the neatly secured bun and, of course, the apparatus in mid-air. These are the same elements we discussed in the clothing and apparatus sections, and all of them serve a practical purpose as well as an aesthetic one.
How to start rhythmic gymnastics without the hassle
Many families and future gymnasts ask the same question once they understand what rhythmic gymnastics is: where do I start? These practical tips will answer your main doubts:
- Find a club or school near you and ask whether you can take a trial class. It is the best way to check whether the atmosphere and training pace suit you.
- Start at the level that suits you. As we saw when discussing levels, there are stages designed for people who come in with no experience. You do not need any prior background.
- Wear comfortable clothes at first. For your first classes, anything that lets you move freely will do. The competition leotard can wait.
- Buy equipment gradually. Ask your coach which apparatus you will work on first and buy only that one. We also have a guide to the rhythmic gymnastics equipment you need to get started, so you don’t overbuy.
- Give flexibility and coordination time. They are built with consistency and without rushing. Forcing your body will not speed anything up and can spoil the experience.
The most important thing at the beginning is to enjoy the movement and the music. Technique comes with practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is rhythmic gymnastics in a few words?
It is a sport that combines gymnastics, dance, acrobatics and choreography. Gymnasts perform routines on a floor, accompanied by music, and handle an apparatus such as the ball, rope, clubs, ribbon or hoop.
What is the difference between rhythmic gymnastics and rhythmic dance?
Both place great importance on music and expression. Rhythmic gymnastics adds the handling of an apparatus and the physical and technical demands of competition, whereas dance focuses more on the expression of movement.
How long is a rhythmic gymnastics routine?
It depends on the event. In individual events, the routine lasts 90 seconds. In group events, with five gymnasts, it lasts 150 seconds. Both are performed on the floor with musical accompaniment.
What do I need for my first rhythmic gymnastics class?
To start, you only need comfortable clothing that lets you move freely and hair tied back. Afterwards, your coach will tell you when it is worth buying toe shoes, a leotard and your first apparatus. This way you avoid spending on equipment you won’t use yet.
