Rhythmic Gymnastics: The Beauty of the Sport and its Apparatus - by Anne Shier (a.k.a. "Annie")

 (From the web site:  http://rsg.net/cgi-bin/show?information/hoop.html)

Introduction:

The following pieces of apparatus are used artistically by rhythmic gymnasts to make very creative, innovative and beautiful routines:  Ribbon, Hoop, Ball, Clubs and Rope.

Ribbon:

The ribbon and a stick are attached and used by the gymnast to create artistic beauty during her ribbon routine by creating wonderful designs in the air.  The stick is made of wood, plastic or fibreglass; it is 1 cm in width and is 50 – 60 cm long, including the attachment ring at the end of the stick.  The stick is cylindrical or conical in shape or a combination of these two. 

The ribbon itself is a satin or non-starched derivative and is 4 – 6 cm wide.  It is at least 6 metres long and must consist of one piece.  The end with which the ribbon is fastened to the stick can be doubled on a length of 1 m. A very thin strengthening of maximum 5 cm can be shoved at the upper end between the two ribbon parts.  The ribbon’s weight, without the stick and attachment is at least 35 gm.  The colour of the ribbon is for the gymnast herself to choose and can consist of more than one colour.  Gold and silver are allowed since 1997.

Handling of the Ribbon:

The ribbon is long and light and may be thrown in all directions. Its function is to create designs in space. Its flights through the air make images and shapes of every kind. Figures of many different sizes are executed at varying rhythms. Snakes, spirals and throws are the essentials of the ribbon's flight.

Hoop:

The hoop is made of wood or plastic and must be rigid or of non-bending material.  It is 80 – 90 cm on the inside.  The hoop can be smooth or rough; it can be wrapped in adhesive tape (non-slip material) that is the same colour or different colours.  As with the ribbon apparatus, its colour is for the gymnast herself to choose and can consist of more than one colour.  Gold and silver are allowed since 1997.

Handling of the Hoop:

The hoop defines a space. This space is used to the utmost by the gymnast, who moves within the circle formed. Handling the hoop requires frequent changes of the grip, and the main requirement is good movement coordination. The shape of the hoop favours rolls, passages, rotations and walkovers.

Ball:

The ball is made of rubber or plastic and is 18 – 20 cm in diameter.  It weighs at least 400 gm.   As with the ribbon and hoop apparatus, its colour is for the gymnast herself to choose and can consist of more than one colour.  Only geometric drawings are allowed on the ball.  Gold and silver are allowed since 1997.

Handling of the Ball:

The ball is the only apparatus for which no grip is allowed. This means that a more sensuous relationship between the body and the apparatus is required. The ball moves in perfect harmony with the body. Spectacular throws with control and precision in the catches are dynamic elements.

Clubs:

There are two clubs and they are made of wood or plastic; they are 40 – 50 cm from one end to the other.  They are at least 150 gm in weight each.  The diameter of the head of each club is a maximum of 3 cm.  The form of the clubs is as follows:  bottle-like, consisting of three parts: body (bulbous part), neck (slim part) and head (spherical part). The three parts can be wrapped with an adhesive tape / non-slip material with the condition that the diameter of the head is not more than 3 cm.  As with the other apparatus, the colours are for the gymnast herself to choose and each club can be a different colour.  Gold and silver are allowed since 1997.

Handling of the Clubs:

The gymnast uses the clubs to execute mills, rolls, twists, throws and as many asymmetric figures as possible, combining them with the many figures featured in non-apparatus gymnastics. Exercises with the clubs require a highly developed sense of rhythm, maximum psychomotor coordination and precision up to watch making standards. The clubs are particularly suited to ambidextrous gymnasts.

Rope:

The rope is made of hemp or any synthetic material.  Its length is proportionate to the height of the gymnast.  It has knots rather than handles at its ends.  The ends (no other parts of the rope) may be wrapped on a length of 10 cm with a coloured or neutral non-slip material.  Everywhere the rope has the same diameter or can be thicker in the middle.  As with the other apparatus, its colour is for the gymnast herself to choose and can consist of more than one colour.  Gold and silver are allowed since 1997.

Handling of the Rope:

The technical figures may be made with the rope either taut or loose, with one or both hands, with or without change of hand. The relationship between the apparatus and the gymnast is more explosive than in the other cases. The rope often appears as a serpent-like attacker seizing and winding around the gymnast. But suppleness and agility, tinged with elegance, always win out in the end.

My Own Experience with Rhythmic Gymnastics:

I spent one year with the “Kalev Estienne” Rhythmic Gymnastics Club and learned how to use a ball effectively in a group ball routine.  This year was quite a departure from my previous experience as an Olympic gymnast who had specialized in free exercise and balance beam in my high school days.  This year was my golden opportunity to be a part of the big show that opened Ontario Place in Toronto, Ontario that year (1967-68) and I worked very hard to become qualified for this show.  Unfortunately, I was not selected to be in the show and that was very disappointing to me, but I did learn a lot about ball routines and I’m grateful for the learning experience I obtained from Evelyn Cooper, the head coach of the “Kalev Estienne” Club.

I have also known two excellent rhythmic gymnasts in my lifetime.  One is the elder sister of a good friend of mine, Stan.  His sister’s name was Susan Penttinen.  Sue competed at the Mexico Olympic Games in 1968.  The other girl is someone I grew up with and her name was Karina Jokinen.  She became a top notch performer in Canada and was even an instructor in rhythmic gymnastics.  Her mother, Elsie Jokinen, had also been a top notch adult women’s gymnastics instructor for the Finnish Canadian Society of Toronto community.  In fact, Stan, Sue, Karina, Elsie and I were all active members of this society during my childhood and teen years.

copyright 2014, Anne Shier.  All rights reserved.