Rhythmic gymnastics is an event in the Olympic Games. Rhythmic gymnastics was developed by the ideas of Jean-Georges Noverre, Francois Delsarte, and Rudolf Bode who believed one should dance to express something. Rhythmic gymnastics competitions began in the 40’s in the Soviet Union.

rhythmic gymnastrhythmic gymnastics is predominently for female competitors

Rhythmic gymnastics uses the elements of ballet, gymnastics, dance, and apparatus manipulation. The judges will assess the leaps, balances, pirouettes, apparatus handling, and the execution. The whole routine must cover the entire floor and must contain a combination of jumps, leaps, pivots, and flexibility movements.

Olympic rhythmic gymnastics is only for female competitors. In some competitions, individuals or teams of five can team-up and manipulate two things or apparatus: clubs, hoop, ball, ribbon, and rope. However, an individual may only use on apparatus. 

Rhythmic Gymnastics at the World Games

Rhythmic Gymnastics is one of the disciplines in Gymnastics at the World Games. It made its debut at the 2001 Akita World Games. Subsequently, it featured at the 2005 Duisburg World Games, the 2009 Kaohsiung World Games, the 2013 Cali World Games, the 2017 Wroclaw World Games, and the 2022 Birmingham World Games. 

Rhythmic Gymnastics didn't make it to the 2025 Chengdu World Games. The major Gymnastics disciplines at the 2025 World Games were Acrobatic Gymnastics, Aerobic Gymnastics, Parkour Gymnastics, and Trampoline Gymnastics.