Artistry and Music in Gymnastics: what do you think?

Lausanne (SUI) / FIG Office, March 05, 2013: At its recent meeting in February 2013, the Executive Committee decided to organise two workshops on artistic and musical content, which are part of the judging criteria in Artistic and Rhythmic Gymnastics exercises. The workshops will be held this year at the World Championships in Antwerp (BEL) for Artistic and in Kiev (UKR) for Rhythmic. They will be led by the 1st Vice-President of the FIG, Ms Slava Corn, and target choreographers and coaches primarily, with access for judges.

A panel of internationally recognized experts will be appointed under the technical leaders of both disciplines, particularly Ms Lyn Heward (CAN), Creative Director with Cirque du Soleil, Montreal, Mr Lasse Nettum (NOR), expert and specialist in music and Rhythmic Gymnastics, and Mr Hardy Fink (CAN), FIG Education and Gymnastic Academies Director.

Music and artistry are two major elements in exercise composition and judging. For this reason, FIG President, Prof. Bruno Grandi (ITA) was clear when addressing his authorities: "Artistic content and a gymnast's immersion in the music are crucial; when translated through body expression, these are the heart of an exercise. Not only do athletes need to grasp this concept, but so do choreographers and coaches. When music is properly integrated into an exercise, a sense of artistry can truly evolve," emphasized the President.

The workshops will spur the creation of an educational programme targeting coaches, a concept to be developed in cooperation with the Cirque du Soleil.

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