Hoop
Rolls over the body and floor, rotations and high throws — gymnasts even pass through the hoop.
▶ Taisiia Onofriichuk (UKR), hoop — gold, World Championships 2026
What is rhythmic gymnastics?
Rhythmic gymnastics is an Olympic sport where a gymnast performs a routine to music with a hoop, ball, clubs, ribbon or rope. It combines the flexibility of gymnastics, the grace of ballet and the skill of handling an apparatus — every throw, catch and turn is set to the music.
Rhythmic gymnastics in two minutes
The official Olympic explainer: what gymnasts do and how a routine works.
The sport in six facts
- 1984Olympic sport since Los Angeles 1984; group event added in 1996
- 5apparatus: rope, hoop, ball, clubs and ribbon
- 1:30an individual routine lasts 1:15–1:30, a group routine 2:15–2:30
- 13 × 13 mthe competition floor — every corner of it is used
- 5gymnasts in a group, performing as one
- 100%of the routine is performed to music
The five apparatus
Each apparatus asks for different skills. Tap a video to see the gold-medal routines of the 2026 World Championships in Frankfurt.
Ball
Soft, flowing movements: rolls along the arms and back, bounces and throws — the ball must never be gripped.
▶ Darja Varfolomeev (GER), ball — gold, World Championships 2026
Clubs
Two clubs at once: fast mills, asymmetric movements and throws — the hardest test of coordination.
▶ Stiliana Nikolova (BUL), clubs — gold, World Championships 2026
Ribbon
Six metres of satin drawing spirals and snakes in the air — the ribbon must never stop moving.
▶ Darja Varfolomeev (GER), ribbon — gold, World Championships 2026
Rope
Jumps and skips through the rope, swings and throws. Today it is used for juniors and in national competitions.
▶ Lily Ramonatxo, rope — Junior World Championships 2019
How a routine is judged
Three panels of judges watch every routine, and the final score is the sum of three parts:
- D
Difficulty
How hard the routine is: body elements — jumps, balances and rotations — plus difficult work with the apparatus. The more a gymnast can do cleanly, the higher the score.
- A
Artistry
How well the routine tells a story with the music: character, expression, rhythm and the connection between movement and music. Starts at 10 points; mistakes are deducted.
- E
Execution
How clean the technique is: posture, precision, no drops or lost balance. Also starts at 10 points; every error costs tenths.
D + A + E = final score
Individual and group
Gymnasts compete individually with one apparatus at a time, or in a group of five, where they exchange apparatus in the air and move as one. Group routines are among the most spectacular moments of the Olympic Games.
▶ Team Spain, group routine
A short history — in the world and in the UAE
- 1962
The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) recognises rhythmic gymnastics as its own discipline.
- 1984
Olympic debut in Los Angeles. Canada's Lori Fung becomes the first Olympic champion — by 0.050 points.
- 1996
The group event joins the Olympic programme in Atlanta.
- 2004
Alina Kabaeva's ribbon in Athens — one of the most famous routines in the sport.
- 2012
Yevgeniya Kanaeva becomes the only gymnast to win the Olympic all-around twice (2008 and 2012).
- 2016
Margarita Mamun wins gold in Rio. Years later she gave a master class to GYMNASTIKA gymnasts.
- 2020UAE
FIG judge Anastasiya Zakreuskaya founds GYMNASTIKA RG Club in Dubai.
- 2022UAE
The 1st UAE International GYMNASTIKA CUP: delegations from 20 countries in Dubai and master classes with Olympians.
- 2023UAE
Tokyo 2020 Olympic medallists Alina Harnasko and Anastasiia Salos come to the GYMNASTIKA CUP in Dubai.
- 2024
Paris 2024: Darja Varfolomeev wins the individual all-around title.
- 2024UAE
Over 700 gymnasts from around the world compete at the 3rd GYMNASTIKA SOLO CUP in Dubai.
- 2025UAE
The 5th-anniversary SOLO CUP: 750 gymnasts from 25 countries, with Olympic medallist Liubou Charkashyna as head judge.
- 2026UAE
The UAE becomes a member of World Gymnastics (FIG) at the 86th Congress in Bangkok — Emirati gymnasts can now compete at official international events.
Then and now
Rhythmic gymnastics 56 years apart
What it gives your child
Flexibility and strength
A strong, mobile body built gradually and safely, from the very first class.
Posture and grace
Gymnasts are easy to recognise by how they stand and move — for life.
Coordination
Working with an apparatus trains the hands, eyes and both sides of the body together.
Musicality
Every routine is a dance to music — children learn rhythm and expression.
Discipline and confidence
Regular training, goals and performing in front of an audience build character.
Friends and team spirit
Groups, shows and tournaments — gymnastics is a community.
Parents ask
Is rhythmic gymnastics only for girls?
At the Olympic Games rhythmic gymnastics is a women's sport. At GYMNASTIKA our groups are for girls; Mum + Baby classes (2–5 years) are open to boys and girls.
What age is best to start?
Most girls start between 3 and 6. At GYMNASTIKA children can begin at 2 with Mum + Baby and join Beginners groups from 3. Older beginners are welcome too — there are groups for every level, and adult classes from 18.
Does my daughter have to compete?
No. Many gymnasts train for health, flexibility and joy. Those who want to compete move into pre-competitive and competitive groups when they are ready.
What is the difference from artistic gymnastics?
Artistic gymnastics is performed on apparatus such as the beam, bars and vault. Rhythmic gymnastics is performed on the floor, to music, with a hand apparatus — hoop, ball, clubs, ribbon or rope.
Is it safe for young children?
Yes, when training is age-appropriate. Our coaches build flexibility and strength step by step, and every group is matched to the child's age and level.
What does my child need for the first class?
Comfortable sportswear and a water bottle. Our team will advise on a leotard and half-shoes later.