> Sport > History Rhythmic Gymnastic has been marked by four main phases. Click on the one which interests you... Modern Gymnastic International competition Rhythmic Sports Gymnastic Rhythmic Gymnastic Modern Gymnastic... "Born" in Eastern Europe thanks to a movement in favour of the feminine sport practice. It was then called the "Modern Gymnastic". The main figures of this gymnastic are François Delsarten Emile-Jacques Dalcroze or Irène Popard. The main aim of it was to fully embrace rhythm by developing both musicality and the sensory expression of movement. The first gymnastic with apparatus comes in 1912 during the Olympic Games of Stockholm. It will be associated with feminine gymnastic from 1928 to 1956. It begins to be called a sport during the 40s in the former Soviet Union. Then, classical ballet is integrated to the former discipline and Soviet Union dominates it. In 1956, Madame Villancher proposes to develop a gymnastic of group: it will be accepted in Melbourne, the same year. >> Go to the top International competition The first International Championship is held in Sofia in 1961. The International Federation of Gymnastics agrees this idea to develop international competitions. That's how the first World Championship is organized in 1963 in Budapest. Ten countries will take part to it. Are programmed two routines for individual gymnasts: free routine and hoop or hoop routine. The first group championship is held in Copenhagen in 1967 and during the same competition, individual gymnasts have to present four routines, instead of two. In 1968, the FIG defines the norms of the apparatuses. The first code of points is created in 1970. In 1971, during the fifth world championship in La Havane, new decisions are taken: - Apparition of the ribbon and end of the free hand - Creation of an apparatus final in concordance with the results of the general results - The team championships proposes a routine with 2 different apparatuses. In 1973, the clubs are created. >> Go to the top Rhythmic Sports Gymnastic In 1975, the discipline takes the name of Rhythmic Sports Gymnastics for the first time, thanks to the FIG. RSG becomes an Olympic discipline during the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 1984. Only the individual gymnasts can compete. A junior category is created in 1987, with the first European Junior Championships held in Athens. The same year, new rules are taken for the group exercises. The groups are still presenting two routines, which are different - The first routine is done with one identical apparatus - The second routine with two different apparatuses - A final by apparatus is also created. In 1989, the FIG authorizes the use of plural-instrumental music, which gives the discipline a new value. It will be only in 1992 and the Barcelona Olympic Games that the groups will be inscribed to the program. After 1996, these groups will only be composed of five gymnasts. >> Go to the top And now, Rhythmic Gymnastic… From this date until now, Russian and Bulgarian schools have influenced RG mostly. Ever year lets new gymnasts become famous. A new Code of Points has been created: it gives RG a more sportive dimension, because of the numerous difficulties to do during a routine. Gymnasts have improved their levels of difficulties and RG is more technical than it was 10 years ago. RG is today known all over the world, but still needs more consideration. This new COP will certainly influence the idea of the spectators who still think that all that is done in RG is easy. With this COP, let's hope RG will be recognized as a sport! >> Go to the top