Rhythmic Gymnastics

Dance-based Competitive Gymnastics for Girls

What is Rhythmic?

Rhythmic Gymnastics (often just called Rhythmic), is a structured, competitive programme for girls and women aged 5 and over.

The programme focusses on agility, beauty, grace, confidence, balance and elegance.

Routines and skills are based on the floor, and include use of apparatus such as hoop, clubs, ball, rope or ribbon to add variety and challenge.

Our classes are based on the National Development Programme (Levels 1-3), and the National Levels Programme.

What classes are on offer?

The classes offered vary from year to year, depending on the girls in the programme. We typically offer:

• Junior Rhythmic: This session includes levels 1-3, and develops basic equipment handling and body skills, including balances, leaps and travelling steps, throws and catches. The girls will also usually learn basic group (4 or more gymnast) routines to music. Level 3 girls may also work on routines for pairs or trios.
• Intermediate: These sessions are for those who have completed Level 3 (or equivalent). Skills begin to get more complex and demanding, with leg-mounts, splits and back arches appearing. All skills are taught as progressions, and within the limits of the gymnast's own body. No stretches are ever forced. Our intermediate gymnasts start learning individual routines for competition, as well as pair/trio/group routines.
• Senior: Our seniors are aged 11 and above. They learn skills from levels 4 to 10 depending on individual background and ability. Older gymnasts (including adults) with some dance background but no history of gymnastics can join this class.

How many hours a week are involved?

Typical hours are

• Junior levels (1-3): 1.5-2 hrs/week
• Intermediates (Level 4): 2-4 hrs/week
• Seniors (Level 4+): 2.5-8 hrs/week

What equipment do the gymnasts use?

Rhythmic is also known as the 'elegant' gymnastics. It uses five items of hand apparatus to contrast with the gymnast's flexibility, strength and balance. Each apparatus tests different areas of the gymnast's skill:

• Ball: routines are typically very flowing
• Ribbon: routines often include pivots and turns
• Clubs: all about coordination as pairs of clubs are thrown, caught and juggled
• Rope: leaps feature prominently in the usually-fast rope routines
• Hoop: provides a challenge as the gymnasts pass over, under and through the hoop during their routines.

Are the coaches qualified?

All our coaches are accredited with Gymnastics Australia. Many of them have been gymnasts themselves, and have years of coaching experience. Most of our lower-level classes also have assistant coaches - senior gymnasts who are developing coaching skills prior to obtaining their own accreditation.

What to wear

Rhythmic gymnasts are expected to wear a leotard or singlet/shorts to each training session. They may wear a tracksuit to warm up, but it is crucial for the coaches to see their body lines while training.

For competitions, junior gymnasts must wear a club leotard (made to measure in-house). Level 1-3 girls do not need a club tracksuit, but this is required for girls competing at Level 4 and above.

Older girls typically wear custom-made leotards which complement their routines. All girls in a pair, trio or group must wear matching leotards.

Hair must always be tied back from the face, and no jewellery is permitted in the gym.

How do competitions work?

When your coach believes your gymnast is ready to compete, they will recommend a suitable competition. You will receive a letter with details. This must be completed and returned to the office by the date stated if your gymnast is to be entered. Closing dates for competitions are fixed and late entries are often not accepted.
After the event closing date, you will receive information about the event: what time to be there, where to go and what to take. It is usually a good idea to make sure your gymnasts has some healthy snacks, a water bottle and warm clothes or a blanket as many gymnasia can be quite cold.

There are two types of rhythmic competition: skill-based and routine based.

Skill-based competitions and level tests
At these events, all girls will get a warm up before their competition. They will then move to one of the judges to perform with one apparatus. When all girls in the group have performed their skills (read out by the coach), they move to the next judge. This is the format of the State Pennant 10-activity competition and National Award Tests (NATs).

Routine-based competitions
At these events, all girls in the session warm up in the warm up area, with a timed rehearsal on the competition floor (without music). They then remain in the warm-up area until their routine is scheduled. Routines are performed before a panel of judges. Routines can be individual, pairs, trios or groups.
For multiples (pairs, trios or groups), girls are expected to wear the same leotard and have similar hair styles and equipment. For most competitions, the required hairstyle is a tidy bun.

Competition sessions typically run for 2-3 hours, depending on the size of the event.

How do I join?

Email or phone our office to book a trial class. Availability for some classes is limited, but we do keep waiting lists if necessary.

Can I get involved?

Parent support is very welcome: You can get involved as an assistant coach, as a judge, or as a parent helper at competitions, events or around the club. Speak to the office staff for more details.