Artistic gymnastics, which was originated “from ballet” and is strongly influenced by modern choreography, is a combination of sport and art. Gaping at gymnasts perform extremely advanced maneuvers with a hoop, ball, clubs, ribbon or skipping rope to the music, it is impossible not to admire their grace and aesthetics of the spectacle.
And it is impossible not to be surprised how they, throwing an object several meters into the air and losing sight of it during amazing jumps, turns or acrobatic tricks, again grab it on the fly at the right moment! So what is it more in this sport artistry or technique?
“Probably, it is the balance of expressive and technical dimensions that is important in rhythmic gymnastics,” says 8-time champion of Turkmenistan, Master of Sports Maisa Rejepova.
Children start practicing rhythmic gymnastics at an early age. So Maisa went to the circle when she was 4 years old. A year later, she took part in the first competition in her life.
At the age of 6, she took the first place at the Nonstop Cup International Tournament held in Russia with the participation of young representatives of 12 countries. Later, at international competitions in the Russian capital, she became only the fourth, remaining right up there.
All this hardened the young athlete, gave her experience and strength for new achievements. Maisa even participated in the same competitions with the Olympic champion, seven-time world champion Margarita Mamun.
Now, Maisa Rejepova is a student of the Turkmen State Institute of Physical Culture and Sports. In parallel, she is engaged in coaching activities, teaching children gymnastics at the Ashgabat Sport club. Children from 3 to 12 years old are trained in her group.
“First, I conduct health-improving gymnastics with them, and only then we gradually begin to master various subjects of rhythmic gymnastics. The results of the many hours of intensive training can be seen at our reporting concerts. When you see that the child is successful, and he is happy, heart fills with joy,” says Maisa.
As sports psychologists say, engaging in such a complex sport as rhythmic gymnastics instills self-discipline and helps to increase self-confidence and judgment. For shy girls, for example, it will help to cope with timidity. Is it true?
“Believe it or not, but good self-control and real self-esteem are a characteristic feature of gymnasts, says Maisa Rejepova.I am sure that rhythmic gymnastics classes, in addition to developing physical strength, flexibility, and healthy lifestyle habits, can improve self-awareness and train the mind in an adequate way.
This sport has not only physical, but also emotional and intellectual benefits.”
The gymnast plans to continue coaching, perfecting herself in this area, learning from world-class professionals.