What is Rhythmic Gymnastics? (From the International Federation of Gymnastics)
Rhythmic gymnastics can trace its roots back
to the end of the 19th century as a means of movement and aesthetic expression. Typically practised in large groups, early practitioners explored the unity of musicality and rhythm. Above all, Isadora Duncan, a famous American dancer, whose rebellion against the dogmas of classical ballet changed the direction into which the art and sport of Rhythmic Gymnastics developed.
The International Federation of Gymnastics recognized RG as a sport in 1961. The first World Individual Championships were held in 1963 in Hungary however, the competitive side of RG was practised as early as 1942 in the former Soviet Union. Group exercises were introduced at the 1967 World Championships in Denmark.
In 1984, RG was featured as a discipline of its own at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The first Olympic champion was Canadian Lori Fung (Vancouver). Group exercises entered the Olympics in 1996 in the Games in Atlanta.
Competitive RG is tremendously popular in eastern European countries (Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Bulgaria) and has also enjoyed popularity in western European nations like Spain, Italy and Greece. Many countries practise RG on a performance level – RG can be performed in large groups by athletes of any age (young children, seniors, Special Olympians). Performance routines are free-flowing, often changing in tempo and formation, and incorporate a variety of apparatus. RG is a fantastic sport to improve and maintain fitness at all stage of life! Why do RG?
RG builds fundamental movement skills that are beneficial for the long-term development of athletes in any sport.
Physical and musical literacy:
Gymnasts develop fitness, strength, balance and flexibility. Gymnasts learn different forms of locomotion and learn proper stretching techniques at an early age. They also work on and develop excellent posture which is important for long-term health. Movement with music encourages gymnasts to find their rhythm and explore different tempos and dynamics.
Hand-eye coordination:
Gymnasts learn different ways to manipulate hand-held apparatus (rolling, throwing and catching, skipping, rotating, bouncing) in a quest to make the movement of the apparatus look like an extension of the body’s movement. Gymnasts learn how to identify mistakes and how to work through possible solutions.
Confidence, discipline and creativity:
Gymnasts progressively learn skills developing a sense of accomplishment and confidence as their abilities grow. Through hard work and intrinsic motivation, gymnasts experience success as they improve and perfect a variety of technical skills. From the start, gymnasts are encouraged to use their imagination to create unique skills and explore different styles of movement with music.
Apparatus (From the International Federation of Gymnastics)
Until the 1956 Olympic Games, group exercises with small hand-held apparatus, were included in Artistic Gymnastics. The use of hand-held apparatus eventually faded from Artistic and appeared progressively in Rhythmic Gymnastics.
In rhythmics, gymnasts strive to make the apparatus look like an extension of the body's movement.Rope – (Watch an Individual routine) Rope is very dynamic and is typically associated
with good jumping abilities and explosive power. The rope should always maintain a fixed shape. Technical movements include swings and rotations, skipping, releases (one end) and throws (release both ends). The rope is made of hemp or other synthetic material and its length is proportional to the gymnast’s height.
Hoop – (Watch a Group routine, or Watch an Individual routine) Technical movements include swings and rotations (about different parts of the body), rolls on the body and the floor, throws and catches, and passing through or over the hoop. The hoop is made of plastic, hoops can range in size from 60-90cm in diameter. The hoop is rigid and retains its shape but must be used along particular planes of movement.
Ball – (Watch an Individual routine, or Watch a classic Russian routine from the 1980s) Although the ball is rigid in shape, it should never be gripped or rest against the forearm of the gymnast – this requires a lot of proper technique and practise! Technical movements include swings and 
circles, figure 8s, bouncing, rolls on the body and the floor, throws and catches. The ball is made of a rubberized material and is between 18-20cm in diameter. Unlike a basketball or a soccer ball, a rhythmic ball is weighted to ensure smooth rolling technique and flight pattern when thrown.
Clubs – (Watch an Individual routine) Although 
all rhythmic apparatus skills should be done equally well with the right or left hand, clubs truly challenges the hand-eye coordination of gymnasts. Technical movements include circles, mills, throws and catches and asymmetric movements. The clubs are plastic or rubber and 40-50cm in length and are used in pairs.
Ribbon – (Watch a Group routine, or Watch an Individual routine) Ribbon is the most identifiable of the rhythmic apparatus! The trick is to keep the ribbon in constant motion without resting on the floor using movements such as swings, circles, figure 8s, spirals (small circles), snakes, as well as small and large throws. Made of satin (without starch), it can range in length from 2 m (for very young gymnasts) to 6 m for senior competitors. The ribbon is attached by swivels to a weighted, plastic or fiberglass stick.
What is Aesthetic Group Gymnastics? (From the International Federation of AGG)
AGG is a new branch in the traditional style of rhythmic gymnastics; it is based on stylized, natural total body movement, similar to some styles of modern dance. The sport involves harmonious, rhythmic and dynamic movements performed with economical and natural use of strength. There is a natural flow from one movement to the next, as if each new movement is created from the previous one. All movements must be performed fluently, showing amplitude and variety in dynamics and speed.
Routines are performed in groups of different sizes (form 4-14) and contain body movements such as bodywaves, swings, balances and turns, leap and jumps, dance steps and lifts. Physical qualities like speed, strength, coordination, flexibility and effortlessness are essential (Watch a routine).
Why do it?
RG and AGG are complementary sports. RG puts more emphasis on coordination of hand-held apparatus with body movement with AGG emphasizes unity and fluidity of movement and expression in a group. AGG is gradually gaining recognition in Canada, it is incredibly popular in some European countries, in particular Finland, Estonia, Russia and Bulgaria.
A few teams in Alberta are currently exploring this beautiful sport. The majority of Canadian teams are in Ontario. Participation in AGG allows gymnasts the opportunity to travel and compete internationally.