The fifth exercise with hoop is:
Silviya Miteva 2011 BUL 10 votes 4.83%
Anna Rizatdinova’s hoop is the 4th most voted
Anna Rizatdinova 2013 UKR 11 votes 5.31%
The third exercise, with 12 votes:
Yana Kudryavtseva 2016 RUS, 12 votes 5.80%
The second exercise with the most of the votes:
Margarita Mamun 2015 RUS, 15 votes 7.25%
And the most voted is…:
Boryana Kaleyn 2019 BUL with 102 votes (49.28)
The music is the artistic part of a Rhythmic Gymnastics exercise. It is also regulated by Rhythmic Gymnastics Code of Points. A sounds signal may start before the music, which indicates the gymnast to be ready for the song. The sounds of sirens, car engines and non typical music is totally forbidden. Each piece of music must be recorded using CD, single or USB. The name of the gymnast, country (the 3 capital letters used by the FIG to designate the gymnast’s country) and the apparatus.
Since 2013, music with non-offensive words was allowed to use in Rhythmic Gymnastics
Penalties:
Natalia Garcia (ESP)
The dance steps are continuous, connected dance steps, which could be classical, ballroom, folkloric or modern steps. A minimum of one Dance Step Combination (named S) must be presented in an exercise. All steps must be clear and visible for the full 10 seconds duration, starting with the first dance movement.
The last steps in combination cannot be simple walking and look like preparation for the next Difficulty element. These steps must be performed according to the music (character, tempo, rhythm and accent).
The value of each Dance Step Series (S) is 0.40
A minimum of one Fundamental Apparatus Technical element must be performed during these dance steps. Also small throws if they support the idea or increase the amplitude and variety of movement. They can be medium or large throws.
Dance steps in Groups (UKR)
How to create these combinations?
They are logically and smoothly connected without unnecessary stops or prolonged preparatory movements, with variety of speed, directions and levels. They are not simple movements across the floor. They are created with different rhythmical patterns with the apparatus in motion during the entire combination (different planes /axis,
directions and levels).
When are not valid?
Ekaterina Selezneva (RUS)
When is it not possible to perform?
All these kind of movements must be performed completely on the floor. They could not be performed during (R), pre-acrobatic elements, difficulty of body when the value is more than 0.10 or Illusions. Difficulty of apparatus during S is not allowed.
Alina Harnasko (BLR)
Viktoriia Mazur (UKR)
A rotation is the action of rotating about an axis or centre. In Rhythmic Gymnastics there are 2 types of Rotations:
1. Rotations on the foot: relevé (Pivot) or flat foot
2. Rotations on other parts of the body
In adition, all the rotation difficulties must have the following characteristics:
Rotation will be evaluated according to the number of rotations performed. In case of an interruption, like a hop, only the value of the rotations already performed prior to the interruption will be valid.
They also must be coordinated with a minimum of one Fundamental Apparatus Technical element, specific to each apparatus and/ or an element from the Non-Fundamental Apparatus Technical groups in any part of the Rotation to be valid.
Ekaterina Selezneva (RUS)
In the series of identical Pivots (with two or more), each Pivot is performed one after the other without interruption and with heel support. Each Pivot in the series counts as one Difficulty. Each Pivot is evaluated separately (except for the combination of identical “Fouettés,” which counts as one Difficulty).
Different Rotations are Rotations with a different shape regardless of the number of rotations (valid also for “Fouettés” pivots).
The support leg whether stretched or bent does not change the value of the Difficulty, but the shape must be achieved before the end of the minimum basic rotation. In all Rotation Difficulties with ring, or back bend of the trunk, the head must be close to some part
of the leg (closed position, touching required).
Vlada Nikolchenko (UKR)
Fouetté
Katsiaryna Halkina (BLR)
Vlada Nikolchenko and her coach Ireesha Blohina (UKR)
Rhythmic Gymnastics is a very emotive sport: isnt’t it? Gymnasts are rivals but they are also best friends. We all even can see the good relationship between coaches and their gymnast. Natural development through games and sport gives a deep feeling of accomplishment. Emotion is a central feature of Rhythmic Gymnastics. Gymnasts, as well as supporters, could experience many emotions, such as joy, sadness, anger, fear, anxiety, shame or guilt, and pride. Most emotion theorists argue that emotions have the power to motivate and regulate cognitions and behaviors in sport.
Yana Kudryavtseva (RUS) and her coach Elena Karpushenko moments before competition
Happiness and joy are associated with the attainment of important goals and the demonstration of competence, such as winning medals. When they are happy, gymnasts are more likely to smile and embrace significant others (for example, their team partner). Although they could be rivals, Margarita Mamun and Yana Kudryavtseva were really close to each other during Olympic Games. Loss is more likely to lead to sadness, with tell-tale facial expressions, occasional crying, initial behavioral isolation, and the urge to seek comfort from others. Aliya Garayeva from Azerbaijan cried after qualifying 4th at Olympic Games All Around Final.
Ekaterina Halkina (BLR)
Fear is triggered by the appraisal of impending danger related to physical or psychological harm. Ekaterina Halkina confirmed some weeks ago that she suffered from anxiety. The fear emotion can activate fear-related memories and learned behaviors, thus increasing the strength of the fear response.
Margarita Mamun (RUS)
Olympic Champion in 2016, Margarita Mamun starred the documentary by Marta Prus Over the Limit, “an intimate portrait of the world’s most outstanding rhythmic gymnast Margarita Mamun who needs to overcome mental fragility to take part in the Olympic Games.” This riveting documentary reaveals a behind-the-scenes drama about the intensive physical and mental labor put into a sport which thrieves on its beautiful aesthetics.
Gesture in rhythmic gymnastics is deliberate, elaborate, adjusted and designed for a spectacular effect. Its purpose is to make the gymnast’s performance bright and rich. Every gesture has the exact meaning, conveys emotions, feelings and mood, helps to design the whole message of the composition. Many gymnasts open up their emotions on their routines.
Natalia Garcia (ESP)
Even a professional rhythmic gymnast sometimes can’t calm her nerves at the right moment, relax and ease unnecessary tension. In such situation there’s a risk of “psychological breakdown”.
Tears of Spanish Senior Group (Gold Medal) during Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games
Yana Kudryatseva (RUS) mistake at Rio Olympic Games
Many other gymnasts suffered from eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia. Russian rhythmic gymnastics star, Aleksandra Soldatova revealed a few weeks ago she was suffering from an eating disorder: bulimia. Just a few days before she talked to Tass Press Agency, Russian yellow press confirmed that Aleksandra tried to commit suicide and she was admited into a psychiatric ward at a hospital in Moscow. Spanish promising star, Olatz Rodríguez (17 years old) confirmed in her own Instagram site that she is suffering (and still recovering) from anorexia.
Aleksandra Soldatova (RUS)
Dina Averina (RUS)
It is already known by rhythmic gymnastics fans that the most popular twins in RG, Dina and Arina Averina are also best friends and rivals.
“We have a sixth sense. Our thoughts are the same many times. For example, we can just look to each other and understand what we want, without sharing a single word”
Arina Averina (RUS)
“We are already used to people asking our parents how to distinguish us. Our coaches and close friends are very good at distinguishing us. If you stay with us more than a week you could be able to find the differences between us. But actually, we are very different.”
“My new nickname is small dynamite!” – says Dina. “If I have a goal, I set myself and focus on how can I reach it. On the other hand, Arina is tender and calm.”
Arina Averina (RUS)
“When I am in competition, I don’t think about winning a medal. I just focus in a good performance. Of course, I get goosebumps sometimes.” – said Dina.
Just after Arina’s performance with clubs in World Championships Baku, Dina approached Arisha at the Kiss and Cry zone really happy. They looked at each other and both started crying at the same time.
“It was a mix of joy and fatigue. We couldn’t stop ourselves. I cried because of her. I can’t watch her crying, I automatically had the same feeling. I could not hold back the tears”- confirmed Dina.
Dina Averina (RUS)
“I was injured during European Games. I was very worried and I remember that I was watching the live streaming. Every minute I was refreshing the website, reading fan’s commentaries during Dina’s performance. Sometimes we could not be together. We need to know that we must know to compete alone.” – said Arina.
Arina and Dina will have new exercises for 2020 that will include higher difficulty, as Dina confirmed in an interview for Olympic Chanel.
Arina Averina (RUS)
We are in the end of the season 2018 and most of the gymnasts are already on the way of 2019 season. Next year will be pretty intense since it is the previous season of Olympic year.
These are some of the examples of the best exercises of the year:
Bulgaria Senior Group 5 Hoops
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=PFOTyObTUx8
Bulgarian senior group are European and World Champions in 5 hoops in 2018.
Dina Averina Ball
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ryWuJzFskA0
Dina is currently the World Champion in Ball
Linoy Ashram Hoop
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=W7IKtnz71xI
This extremely difficult exercise is one of the best routines of the year
Italy 3 balls and 2 ropes
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Nf24m3Q7UuQ
“The eye of the tiger” will made history as one of the most powerful exercises ever
Alexandra Agiurgiuculese Ball
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xkRuimfO2Kg
The Italian gymnast won the bronze medal at World Championships in 2018
Boryana Kaleyn Ball
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eBKHnU9h_nM
Boryana is the new rising star from Bulgaria
Milena Baldasarri Ribbon
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8UVDopF0IQI
Milena is the silver medalist of World Championships in 2018.
Katsiaryna Halkina Ball
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2XrfXwK_uHo
Katya is the European Bronze medalist in All-Around competition
Neviana Vladinova ball
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=IxRekI27sKo
Neviana is back to competirion after a tough injury.
Vlada Nikolchenko Hoop
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WMENLvWafuU
Ukraine’s Vlada Nikolchenko who has just turned 16 is currently top 1 in team Ukraine
Yanika Vartlaan (UKR)
Foundation, eye shadows, powder, blush… Gymnasts always wear beautiful make-up during competitions.
The style depends on the choices of the gymnast, since there is no regulation about make-up for competitions. In Aesthetic Gymnastics, make-up has become relevant as a way of expression.
Some of them choose natural make up such as Anna Rizatdinova or heavy smoky eyes such as Yanika Vartlaan. Even a cosmetics brand, GOSH cosmetics, is promoting Belarusian team. Spanish former gymnast, Almudena Cid, filmed a tutorial about Rhythmic Gymnastics Makeup.
Russian team is including in their summer camps make-up lessons.
The Ukrainian smokey eye
Yanika Vartlaan and Vlada Nikolchenko are inspired on Tamara Yerofeeva’s early 00’s smokey dark make-up. You can do a similar effect using this Urban Decay “Naked Smoky”
The Eyeliner
This item makes your eyes look bigger. You can draw it with a pencil eyeliner or a liquid one. Kat Von D “Tattoo liner”, is very precise.
Carolina Rodriguez (ESP)
Red Lips
As simple as that. If you don’t want to wear heavy makeup, this lipstick colour has to be on your basics. This one by MAC “Russian red” is one of the most sold lipsticks all around the world.
Anna Rizatdinova (UKR)
Blue tones
Silviya Miteva and Katsiaryna Halkina use a cast of blue tones on their eyes. Another example of palette that suits these colours is a limited edition HUDA BEAUTY “Sapphire Obsessions” Eyeshadow palette.
Rhythmic Gymnastics routines are not only exercises with apparatus difficulty. There is also artristy on them. The gymnasts could act during their routine with elements that have no value but, on the other hand, they give artistic sense to their routines. These are some examples:
Maria Petrova from Bulgaria. This could be one of the most famous starting positions in Rhythmic Gymnastics history and one of Maria’s most original routines.
Katrin Taseva (BUL) starts and ends her 2018 ball routine with this curious position.
Viktoriya Mazur (UKR) started this lovely ball routine with the ball between her foot.
Alina Kabaeva (RUS), who introduced contortion elements to rhythmic gymnastics at the end of 90’s.
Anna Rizatdinova (UKR) began 2013 season with this suggestive ball starting position.
Elizabeth Paysieva (BUL) starting her rope routine showing her back flexibility skills.
Anna Bessonova (UKR) started her dramatic “Avrora” hoop routine holding the hoop between her wrists.
Viktoria Shynkarenko (UKR) deep look to judges.
Silviya Miteva (BUL) holding the ball on her arms.
Tamara Yerofeeva (UKR) starting with a balance that continued with a tourlent.
Dina Averina (RUS)
Leotard is a skin-tight one-piece garment that covers the torso but leaves the legs wore by gymnasts. Some of them are also covering legs and they are called “unitards”.
Since 2001, COP allows leotards with or without skirts and unitards (since 1993) . The skirt should fall down on the hips and “tutu shape” is forbidden. Its length should not go lower than the pelvis. Tights are also allowed. Since a few years ago, leotards can be embroidered with sequins, glitter, feathers and Swarovski stones.
Leotards designers may find their inspiration on fashion runways. Karina Kuznetsova wore a leotard inspired in Valentino’s original gown, Yana Kudryavtseva worn a ball leotard which was an inspiration on an iconic design by Dior Couture.
One of the most finest leotards atelier is “Lana”, located in Moscow, Russia. They sew leotards for international Rhythmic Gymnastics stars such as Arina and Dina Averina, Aleksandra Soldatova, Yanika Vartlaan and Kseniya Moustafaeva.
Leotard worn by World Champion Dina Averina (RUS). Available for renting.
Yanika Vartlaan (UKR) wearing a leotard designed and sew by Lana’s atelier
Caption of Lana’s atelier detailed handmade
Detailed Closeup
Each leotard represents a storie. For example, Polina Shamatko has an exercise with music of Shchedrin “Russian Fairytale”. This leotard is hadmade painted. The leotard is inspired in Russian folklore.
Rental conditions
They give a swimsuit for a 100% guarantee of cost, from which 10% of the cost of a swimsuit is deducted once the leotards is returned back up to 7 calendar days. This is usually enough even for going to international competitions.
Contact: +7 (985) 360-38-50, Svetlana
Full Catalog: https://vk.com/lana_leotards
Online Courses (Spanish): https://study.lana18.ru/p/curso-completo-espanol/?preview=logged_out
All photos and sketches are subjected to copyright. For the commercial use of all the above-mentioned pictures, permission is required.
Rhythmic Gymnastics Info 