Rhythmic Gymnastics Apparatus
Description of Apparatus
Rhythmic Gymnasts compete on a floor area of 13 metres square, to musical accompaniment. Harmony between the gymnast, the apparatus and the music plus required difficulties are necessary to achieve a balanced composition.
The following apparatus are used in Rhythmic Gymnastics.
Rope
The rope may be of hemp or any synthetic material. Its length is proportionate to the height of the gymnast. 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.
VIDEO CLIP: RHYTHMIC ROPE TRICKS MONTAGE
Ball
This is made of rubber or plastic. The ball is the only apparatus for which no grip is allowed. This means that amore 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.
VIDEO CLIP: RHYTHMIC BALL TRICKS MONTAGE
Clubs
These are made of wood or plastic. Sleight of hand! 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 watchmaking standards. The clubs are particularly suited to ambidextrous gymnasts.
VIDEO CLIP: RHYTHMIC CLUBS TRICKS MONTAGE
Ribbon
The stick is usually made of wood, bamboo, plastic or fibreglass. The ribbon is most often made of satin or a non-starched derivative. 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.
VIDEO CLIP: RHYTHMIC RIBBON TRICKS MONTAGE
Hoop
This hoop is made of plastic and defines a space. The space is used to the utmost by the gymnast who moves within the circle formed. Handling the hoop requires frequent changes of grip, and the main requirement is foot movement coordination. The shape of the hoop favours rolls, passages, rotations and walkovers.
VIDEO CLIP: RHYTHMIC HOOP TRICKS MONTAGE
Group
VIDEO CLIP:'SKYFALL' RHYTHMIC VIDEO CLIP
And what gymnstics isn't :)