rhythmic gymnastics
rhythmic gymnastics, the performance of systematic physical exercise with the aid of such hand apparatuses as ropes, hoops, balls, clubs, and ribbons. It is closely related to women’s artistic gymnastics—a sport performed on the vault, uneven parallel bars, balance beam, and floor—and, like artistic swimming, is allied with dance. The sport of rhythmic gymnastics dates from the 18th century, and, although some gymnasts participated at the Olympic Games from 1948 to 1956 in individual and group exercises, it was not until the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics that individual competition became an official competitive event. The 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games were the first to include group competition. World championships have been held biannually, in a succession of host cities, since 1963.
An individual routine is performed by one gymnast with one apparatus for 75–90 seconds, whereas a group routine is performed by five gymnasts for between 2 minutes 15 seconds and 2 minutes 30 seconds. Groups perform one routine with all members using the same apparatus and a second routine using mixed apparatus. Both individual and group performances are accompanied by music. The performance area is a square that is 13 meters (42.7 feet) long on each side. The length of the rope used is determined by the height of the individual participant; the plastic or wooden hoop’s interior diameter may vary from 80 to 90 cm (32 to 36 inches); the plastic or rubber ball has a diameter of 18 to 20 cm (7 to 8 inches) and must weigh a minimum of 400 grams (14 ounces); a pair of clubs, 40–50 cm (16–20 inches) long, must each weigh a minimum of 150 grams (5.25 ounces); and the ribbon, a satin strip 4 to 6 cm (1.6 to 2.4 inches) wide and a minimum of 6 meters (20 feet) long, is attached to a slender, flexible wooden or synthetic stick, or cane, that is 50–60 cm (20–24 inches) in length.
Performances at the elite and international levels in rhythmic gymnastics are evaluated by a panel of 12 judges on the basis of the difficulty of the moves attempted, the artistic skill shown, and the level of execution. Artistry—including originality of routine, gestures and facial expressions, and fluidity of line and movement—counts far more than vigorous acrobatics in scoring points.