What are the fundamentals of rhythmic gymnastics? If the lay person was asked this question, I am sure we would be given an answer such as 'Oh, ribbons and hoops and balls and so on.' In fact, this rather vague definition often has to be used to identify rhythmic gymnastics.
To so many people, gymnastics spells artistic gymnastics, they think of the vault, the beam and the bars. It would seem that each forum is characterized by its apparatus, the artistic gymnasts perform on their large fixed apparatus, whilst the rhythmic gymnasts perform with their small hand apparatus.
Interestingly, it is the apparatus which comes to mind, but what is important in rhythmic gymnastics is not only what is done with the apparatus, but what the body does together with the apparatus.
Throwing and catching the apparatus is a very risky procedure, made more difficult by the gymnasts turning, leaping or rolling whilst the apparatus is in the air, but the body elements and the apparatus elements are of equal importance in this sport, and we will look at the technique of some of the fundamental skills later.
I suppose participation in any activity involves some financial cost, if only to acquire the right clothing, but this need not be costly for the average performer, a leisure suit, jump suit or leotard and tights is perfectly adequate, even shorts and a T-shirt.
Really, anything which is comfortable without being restricting and not too baggy is suitable. Only at competition level does the leotard only rule apply. Footwear, which is normally an expensive item in sport, is not necessary at all.
Many gymnasts work in bare feet, but if you want to be in fashion when on show, you wear the rhythmic gymnastics half shoe. Leather ones are purchased from recognized suppliers, though these are costly, or you can knit your own from the tootsies pattern available from the BAGA.
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