Frequently Asked Questions
What should my child wear to class?
Your child should arrive to class wearing tight-fitting athletic clothing, socks or rhythmic gymnastics shoes, and with their hair pulled away from their face (ideally in a high bun). In the winter months, we recommend wearing extra layers (thermals, sweaters, vests, etc.). Please do not wear dresses, jeans/jean shorts, loose crop tops, blouses, or other non-athletic clothing. Additionally, please have your child remove all jewelry/watches (with the exception of stud earrings) before class, as these can pose a safety hazard.
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Examples of tight-fitting athletic clothing include:
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Leggings
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Tank tops
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Athletic shorts (biker shorts, running shorts)
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Leotards with shorts
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Unitard
How do I know what class is right for my child?
Girls are welcome to a free trial in any of our recreational classes. We recommend starting with a L1 Beginners class if you are unsure of the optimal level for your child.
Here are some guidelines to pick a class for your gymnast:
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L1 Beginners: Your child is 4-8 years old, and does not have any prior rhythmic gymnastics, dance, or artistic gymnastics experience.
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L2 Beginners: Your child is 8 years old or older, and does not have any prior rhythmic gymnastics, dance, or artistic gymnastics experience OR your child is 5-7 years old and has prior rhythmic gymnastics, dance, or artistic gymnastics experience.
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Recreational Xcel: Your child is 8 years old or older, and has prior rhythmic gymnastics, dance, or artistic gymnastics experience OR your child is 5-7 years old with extensive (2-3+ years) of rhythmic gymnastics, dance, or artistic gymnastics experience.
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Functional Stretching: Your child is primarily interested in joining classes to focus on flexibility/stretching for other sports.
How does rhythmic gymnastics help development?
Rhythmic gymnastics is one of the best sports for physical development, and children who start in rhythmic gymnastics have the potential to excel in any sport.
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Rhythmic gymnastics trains athletes to have dynamic flexibility and strength in all muscle groups. The sport helps children develop gross motor skills through its focuses on balance, plyometric ability (jumping, landing), body coordination, and spatial awareness. Fine motor skills (useful for writing, drawing, typing, etc.) and hand eye coordination are improved through the use of apparatus.
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This sport also helps athletes develop expressive qualities through its focus on artistry. Finally, participating in an organized sport such as rhythmic gymnastics helps children develop the qualities of focus, discipline, goal-setting, teamwork, and commitment.
Is it too late for my child to start?
It is never too late for girls to start rhythmic gymnastics. While more time may need to be dedicated to get to a higher level, anyone can start rhythmic gymnastics at any age. We have seen many gymnasts start "late" who are still able to achieve their personal and competitive goals.
What is the youngest age that can start?
We offer classes in rhythmic gymnastics to children as young as 2 years old with a parent present, and 3 years old without a parent. In our parent-tot class, we focus on getting children used to the structure of a gymnastics class, with play, gentle stretching, obstacle courses, tossing apparatus, and dancing. In our Introduction to Rhythmic class (3 year olds), we focus further on building flexibility, strength, body coordination and hand-eye coordination for future body skills and apparatus handling. At age 4, children can transition to our L1 Beginners class, and can begin attending up to three times weekly.
For those who are interested in the Development Program Team (intensive competitive track), we recommend starting as early as possible, and attending at least twice a week starting at age 4 or 5 for consistent progress.
How can my child join a competitive team?
Girls in our recreational classes (L1 Beginners, L2 Beginners, and Recreational Xcel) will be evaluated regularly for progress towards the next level. Girls showing potential to compete may be invited to our Xcel Team or Development Program Team via evaluation in April/May each year. In order to be invited to the team, girls must show work ethic, discipline, flexibility, strength, coordination, and strong learning ability.
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Girls with previous rhythmic gymnastics or dance experience may be evaluated to join our competitive teams on a case-by-case basis.
How will I know if my child is ready for the next level?
Girls in recreational classes will be evaluated regularly to assess progress towards the next level. Skills that girls need to move to the next level, as well as their most recent evaluation date, are listed within the parent portal. To progress to the next level more quickly, your child can focus on the skills that they are missing. Instructors will let you know once your child is ready to move to the next level.
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For girls on competitive teams, girls will be evaluated yearly to determine if they are ready to move to the next level. Girls on the development program team must attend a minimum of 60% of post-season/summer practices to move to the next level.
How long does each level take to complete?
Time to move up to the next level varies greatly from child to child. Typically, girls will spend about a year in each level. In certain cases, girls may move through levels more or less quickly. Girls who show regular attendance and commit to multiple classes weekly are more likely to progress quickly through the levels. In our competitive programs, girls typically spend a year in each level, but it is normal to repeat a level if they do not yet have the skills to meet the requirements of the next level.
Do you offer private/group lessons?
Yes! Open private lessons can often be found on the Jackrabbit parent portal. If you are interested in booking a private lesson with a specific coach who does not have availability listed online, please reach out to info@dianasrhythmicclub.com.