Rhythmic Gymnastics is a type of gymnastics where participants manipulate apparatus such as the rope, hoop, ball and ribbon. It combines elements of ballet and theatrical dance.

Developed in the 19th century, rhythmic gymnastics combines elements of ballet, gymnastics, theatrical dance and apparatus manipulation. Apparatus includes bals, clubs, hoops and ribbons. Scores are determined by a panel of judges who give points for execution, artistic merit and difficulty.

Perform an artistic gymnastics routine in an attempt to receive a high score from a panel of judges.

Competitions are split between juniors (under 16) and seniors (16 and over). All routines are performed on a carpeted 14 x 14-meter square surface. Gymnasts can be awarded a maximum of 20 points for each apparatus. A maximum of 10 points each are given for execution, artistic and difficulty. The artistic and difficulty scores are then added together and divided by 2. This score is added to the execution score to produce a composition. The group or individual with the highest score at the end of competition is the winner.

Rhythmic gymnastics was developed in France in the 19th century, as a way to express one's self and exercise various body parts. It was further developed in Sweden, which at the time, was a proponent of aesthetic gymnastics. In 1929 the Medau School was opened in Berlin, as a training ground for modern gymnastics. It was here that the use of apparatus, the signature aspect of rhythmic gymnastics, was developed. Competitive rhythmic gymnastics begin in the Soviet Union in the 1940's. It was recognized by the International Federation of Gymnastics (FIG) in 1961. The first world championship was held in Budapest in 1963. Individual competition was added to the Summer Olympics in 1984, with group competition added in 1996. Today, rhythmic gymnastics is practiced all around the world, with the highest form of competition still found in the Summer Olympics.

Ball
Clubs
Double Rings (men only)
Hoop
Ribbon
Rope
Stick (men only)

Rhythmic gymnastics is a relatively safe sport due to a lack of intentional contact between participants. However, injury does occur, and is sometimes severe. These are mostly related to the knees, ankles and spine. Proper training is the key to reducing risk.

Rhythmic gymnasts must have extremely strong and limber bodies. On top of this, they must master a number of different apparatuses. Prior experience in dance, particularly ballet, is a major benefit.

Aesthetic Gymnastics - 19th century practice of expressing feelings and emotion through bodily movement

Apparatus - prop used in rhythmic gymnastics routines

Ball - small rubber or plastic ball weighing around 14 ounces; can be any color or mixture of colors

Clubs - wooden or plastic objects used to perform tosses usually measuring between 15 and 20 inches long;

Hoop - 31 to 35 inch diameter ring similar to a hula hoop; often comes decorated with brightly colored tapes

http://www.rhythmicmom.com/rsg.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhythmic_gymnastics
http://gymnastics.about.com/od/majorcompetitions/a/rhythmicscoring.htm