About the rhythmic gymnastics .

Rhythmic Gymnastics is an Olympic Sports and is comprised of two categories: the Individual Competition and the Group Competition. Each Group is made up of five gymnasts.

Rhythmic includes five apparatus: Rope, Hoop, Ball, Clubs and Ribbon. However, only four of these are used in a two-year competition cycle.

In competition, individual gymnasts present four exercises corresponding to the four authorized apparatus. Groups present two exercises: the first with five identical apparatus, the second with two different apparatus -- three gymnasts with one apparatus and two gymnasts with another apparatus.

Feminine

Rhythmic Gymnastics is a typically female sport, though a handful of men’s groups practise the discipline in Japan.

With eurhythmy in mind, exercises are always set to music on a 13x13m mat. The duration of an exercise for individuals is from 1.15’ to 1.30’, while for Groups the duration goes up to 2.15’ to 2.30’. An 0.05 point penalty is applied for every additional or missing second!

The apparatus must remain in motion for the duration of the exercise. Movements must vary in form, magnitude, direction, level and speed. The apparatus must be handled in a variety of ways and may not be used as a decorative accessory. There must be an ongoing relationship between the gymnast and the apparatus. The composition of an exercise is based on certain basic body group movements (leaps, pivots, balance, and flexibility) as well as technical groups.