Rhythmic Gymnastic Ribbons

Rhythmic gymnastics is unique in its formality. Gymnastics is generally thought of by doing tricks and stunts on large pieces of gymnastics equipment. Most people think of the Olympics and gold medalists. But in all reality, there is another, more artistic, side to gymnastics. This side is called rhythmic gymnastics. Most people that decide to do rhythmic gymnastics were introduced to it at a young age; although, this is not always necessarily the case. Some people that participate in rhythmic gymnastics were introduced to the sport through dance or gymnastics.

Although it is not as popular as general gymnastics, it is increasingly gaining popularity in many culturally different countries all around the world. It is believed to have originated in Greece about 500 years after the first Olympic Games. Since then, new factors, props, and judging methods have been adopted.

Gymnastics consists of isolating parts of the body to create a routine of flips, stunts, dance combinations, and is considered to be a type of art. General gymnastics consists of ancient movements and exercises that resemble strength, grace, and tranquility. These movements are done on gymnastics equipment such as mats, bars, vaults, and balance beams. Gymnastics eventually branched out.

One of the more popular branches of gymnastics is Rhythmic Gymnastics. While general gymnastics focuses on the strength and execution of the athletic moves, rhythmic gymnastics is more focused on the artistic side of gymnastics. The precise movements and forms created in gymnastics are what create the “main show” of rhythmic gymnastics.

In rhythmic gymnastics, the ribbon is a commonly chosen prop. The length of the ribbon is determined by the varying heights of the gymnasts. You cannot expect a tall gymnast to twirl the same length ribbon as a short gymnast and have the same effect. Ribbons come in two different types of fabric. Satin ribbons are easier to maneuver but the satin can be quite expensive. Vinyl ribbons are less expensive to move and can be possibly harder to maneuver. The only other downside of the vinyl ribbons is that they can wrinkle much easier.

The color of the ribbons used in the particular routine is determined by the music, leotards, and choreography. If the music is upbeat, the ribbons will be more flamboyant but if the music is more quiet and serene, the ribbon will be a softer, more pastel color. The same rules apply to the choosing of the leotards. The music determines the colors and styles. In many ways, rhythmic gymnastics is similar to interpretive dance. When the music is at a faster or louder part, the ribbons reflect the movements that the musical waves would make.

The ribbons can be used in many ways. But most commonly seen is the gymnast using the ribbon to draw pictures in the air to convey the messages being told through the music. In each competitive routine, the gymnast must make snakes, spirals, and must be able to throw and catch the ribbon in many directions. This can be difficult to perfect but once it is perfected, catches the eye and mesmerizes those that watch it. This is because the ribbons are extremely light and may not fall the same way as expected; because of this, the gymnasts must play very close attention to the placement of their hands, the direction the ribbon is tossed, and where every part of their body is at all times.

Ribbons have become one of the most popular props in use today in rhythmic gymnastics behind hoops and clubs. The reason for this is due to the unique beauty of the actual sport.