The main qualities of a gymnast are plasticity, willpower and endurance. It is advisable to take the first steps in rhythmic gymnastics at the age of 3-5 years. At this age, the child’s body is more flexible, and it is easier to develop flexibility, coordination and speed of movement. As a rule, already at the age of 14-16, many athletes have to leave gymnastics or switch to sports ballet. Only a few gymnasts continue their sports career until the age of 20-22 and then become coaches.
If we compare rhythmic gymnastics with artistic gymnastics, the first one is a safer and more accessible sport. However, there are quite high requirements for the appearance of athletes.
More recently, rhythmic gymnastics has begun to transform into fitness and aerobics. That is why athletes can continue their sports activities. In sports aerobics, most of the participants are former gymnasts. Rhythmic gymnastics develops flexibility, endurance, and dexterity. It disciplines people, improves their bodies, and teaches them to handle their bodies beautifully and gracefully. This kind of sport also strengthens a sense of self-confidence that is very important in today’s world.
Top 3 Rhythmic Gymnastics Clubs in Canada
Since rhythmic gymnastics is a sport that is best learned from an early age, there are a huge number of clubs in Canada for kids. All of them are subordinate to local gymnastics federations and governmental organizations. Usually, each province has its own federation or several, which regularly hold rhythmic gymnastics competitions and events, as well as prepare athletes for national and international performances, including the Olympic Games.
Ritmika Rhythmic Gymnastics – Home of 2004 & 2008 Olympians
One of the leading and largest rhythmic gymnastics clubs in Canada, Ritmika was founded by Sina Kasekamp and Anneli Riga in 1980. With over 40 years of experience, Ritmika has transformed itself from a regular club into a multicultural rhythmic gymnastics organization. Certified trainers have developed programs for children of all ages and ability levels. Classes are held in Maple, Vaughan, King City, Woodbridge, Richmond Hill and Kleinburg..
Ritmika Rhythmic Gymnastics students are among the strongest athletes in Canada. They represent the country in many international competitions such as the Olympic Games and the World Championship. The famous gymnast Alexandra Orlando, who held the title of champion of Canada for eight years, is a graduate of this club. The gymnast was also remembered for her performance at the 2006 Commonwealth Games when she won six gold medals for her country. Alexandra also took part in the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. One of the no less famous club graduates is also Mary Sanders. She became an Olympic champion in 2004 and a US champion. Both gymnasts were in the top 10 list at the world championships.
For more details, visit the club’s site: https://www.ritmika.ca
Aura Rhythmic Gymnastics with 25 Years of Experience
The Aura Rhythmics club has been one of the leaders in rhythmic gymnastics training in the country for over 25 years. NCCP-certified coaches are emerging stars and experienced Canadian medallists.
For already two decades, Aura Rhythmic club gymnasts have represented Canada at the World Championships, Commonwealth Games, Pan American Championships, Grand Prix, Universiade, Aeon Cups and other important events in South America, Europe and Asia. In many provinces and even at the national level, club graduates have repeatedly become owners of gold medals.
The coaching staff includes experienced athletes who are fluent in English, French, Bulgarian, Russian and Chinese.
For more details, visit the club’s site: https://www.aurarhythmics.com
Mississauga Newnorth National Rhythmic Gymnastics Club
It is the only national rhythmic gymnastics club in the city of Mississauga that offers world-class competition training. Among the graduates, you can see both talented beginners, champions and international medalists. One of them is young Olympian Natalie Garcia.
Competitions organized by the club are held at the modern Paramount Fine Foods Center Sportsplex. The Newnorth National Rhythmic Gymnastics Club programme includes many basic rhythmic gymnastics classes, depending on the age and ability of the child. Club students develop their flexibility, coordination, endurance, fitness, and self-confidence in a fun and stimulating environment. The Newnorth Club has developed more extensive training programmes for gymnasts who demonstrate good ability and qualify. Students take part in local, national and even international competitions.
For more details, visit the club’s site: https://mississauganewnorth.com
More information about whether these clubs offer rhythmic gymnastics classes in your area and other details regarding entry age can be found on the clubs’ sites (follow the links below). You also can contact the administration by calling the phone number listed on these sites.