Rhythmic gymnastics is an activity in which individuals or teams of 5 manipulate one or two pieces of apparatus: clubs, hoop, ball, ribbon, rope and Free (no apparatus). An individual athlete only manipulates 1 apparatus at a time. Rhythmic gymnastics combines ballet and creative movements to music in a choreographed dance-and-tumble routine.

Rhythmic gymnastics is a sport that combines elements of ballet, gymnastics,dance, and apparatus manipulation. The victor is the participant who earns the most points, determined by a panel of judges, for leaps, balances, pirouettes (pivots), flexibilities, apparatus handling, execution, and artistic effect.

Rhythmic gymnastics started as an independent competitive sport in the early nineteen fifties by the Russians. Then in nineteen sixty three the first rhythmic gymnastics world championship was held in Europe. Even though rhythmic gymnastics has its own world championships it did not become an Olympic medal sport until nineteen eighty four. This is partly why rhythmics is such a little known and hardly recognized sport in the U.S.

Rhythmic gymnastics has positive benefits, including: Develops posture and confident body movement, for sport and life, enhances co-ordination and agility, for body awareness and balance enhances creativity and builds self-confidence, increases flexibility and strength and prepares the body for the life's challenges, and develops healthy minds and bodies for now and later life.