Dive into the graceful world of rhythmic gymnastics, an art form that elegantly combines dance, ballet, and gymnastics in a symphony of movement. Singapore, an unlikely hotbed, has embraced this captivating discipline, illuminating it as a shining jewel in the city’s athletic pursuits. Let’s unfurl the ribbon, toss the ball, and spin the hoop on this fascinating journey!
What is Rhythmic Gymnastics?
Rhythmic Gymnastics is a sport that artfully integrates dance, ballet, and gymnastics elements. The flow of movement in this discipline is carefully choreographed to music, creating a performance that’s as beautiful as it is athletic. The gymnasts execute a series of jumps, leaps, and turns, balancing their bodies in ways that require the utmost strength, flexibility, and precision.
These complex routines are not performed empty-handed. Gymnasts wield various instruments, each bringing unique flair and challenge to the performance. These include hoops, ribbons, balls, and ropes, each requiring different skills for mastery.
The hoop is swung, rolled, and spun around the gymnast’s body, showcasing their coordination and strength. The long satin strip ribbon twirls in the air in intricate patterns, highlighting the gymnast’s grace and timing. The ball is caught, thrown, and rolled, demanding impeccable hand-eye coordination, whilst the rope is skipped, swung, and twisted, demonstrating the gymnast’s agility and speed.
A Growing Popularity in Singapore
Rhythmic Gymnastics for kids has gained growing popularity in Singapore in recent years. It captures the imagination of many with its beauty and complexity, particularly among children and young adults. There are several dance academies around Singapore offering classes in this discipline. Here are a couple of the most well-known centres:
Releve Rhythmic Gymnastics Academy
Stepping into its second decade of inspiring young gymnasts, the Releve Rhythmic Gymnastics Academy is a shining beacon of Singapore’s rhythmic gymnastics scene. Established in 2009, this esteemed institution is helmed by a dynamic team of local coaches and judges. Each is imbued with a deep-seated love for the art and a profound knowledge of the discipline.
Offering rhythmic gymnastics classes to girls aged four and above, Releve caters both to those who wish to immerse themselves in the beauty of rhythmic gymnastics recreationally and to those who dream of competing on the grand stage.
Crestar School Of Dance
Crestar School of Dance is one of Singapore’s most prominent private dance academies, with more than 40 years of experience in the field. The rhythmic gymnastics classes are developed in collaboration with JACPA, a renowned children’s sports education organization from Japan. Crestar’s Rhythmic Gymnastics program beautifully blends ballet, gymnastics, dance, and playful apparatus routines.
Crestar Dance offers a range of dance classes, including rhythmic gymnastics for kids and adults, which hone motor skills, body coordination, and finesse. The academy stands out with high-quality dance teachers and instructors recruited through stringent selection processes. Regular upgrading and training are also made available to continuously improve their skills and knowledge to help students achieve their dance goals.
Agape Rhythmic Gymnastics
Agape Rhythmic Gymnastics, another renowned academy, offers aspiring gymnasts a nurturing and inclusive environment. It’s dedicated to cultivating a deep appreciation for discipline and guiding students’ journey to mastery. With a strong emphasis on character-building and personal growth, Agape seeks to imbue its students not only with gymnastic prowess but also with values that will serve them well beyond the gymnastic mat. This academy is open to students of various age groups, promoting rhythmic gymnastics as a lifelong pursuit of artistic expression and physical fitness.
So, this was a short guide to rhythmic gymnastics in Singapore. Whether you want to dabble in the art or strive for excellence, plenty of resources are at your fingertips! Open up to this captivating world, be inspired, and take flight with grace and beauty. Who knows? You may even find yourself competing in the Olympics one day.