Tuesday, May 26, 2009

So You Think You Can Dance - Rhythmic Gymnastics

Loh Chooi Joy was only 11 when this video clip was taken during the 2008 Angel Cup Competition
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pX-ngABb0FE

Rhythmic Gymnastics is a beautiful and elegant sport. The routines, choreographed with many dance movements involving grace, elegance, flexibility with ballet characteristics are performed to music using hand apparatus such as rope, ball, hoop, clubs and ribbon by individuals, pairs, trios or group of gymnasts.

Rhythmic gymnastics is a challenging and exciting activity for all children. It focuses on body awareness with hand-eye coordination, team spirit, confidence building and a host of other positive character enhancement. It also provides children with the unique opportunity to express themselves through music and movements.

This sport comprises of various levels which provides an opportunity for gymnasts of different levels and ability to enjoy the sport. Young gymnasts start from a 'Lower Level" and can grow up to a "Higher Level".

Rhythmic gymnastics is a global sport and is extremely popular in many countries. In Malaysia it was popularised by Faiznur Miskin in 1989 where she won all 5 gold medals at stake at the SEA Games held in Kuala Lumpur. In 1991 the Golden Girls team comprising of Lam Swee Kim, Carol Low Mei Lee, Farrah Hani Imran and Chee Wai Lin grabbed the lone gold medal at the Philippines SEA Games. And in 1993 SEA Games in Singapore they took home the silver medal with remaining team members of Carol Low, Chee Wai Lin and Farrah Hani. Christina Loke was the 4th member to the team.

Carol and Farrah championed the gymnastics team through some tough years with little overseas training and exposure. These are the yester years of Rhythmic Gymnastics and with the hiring of foreign coaches, the sport has taken a great leap bringing Malaysia into the world scene. And who remembers the old gymnasts of yester years ..... the forgotten heroins of their time.

3 comments:

Unknown said...
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Esther said...

i did rhythmic gymnastics before and i do not regret it until today because flexibility is something that should be developed when young and it is fun to be able to do somethings. but, over the years, i've lost the flexibility part. the most interesting events to me are the ribbon, clubs and followed by hoops. just like every sport, there is a risk factor and a few studies have shown that this sport increases the risk of osteoporosis. :S

InnerJourney said...

i suppose the osteo aspect can be looked into if care is taken by taking the necessary supplements etc. after all gymnasts retire at a very young age.