Rhythmic Gymnastics at The Academy
Rhythmics, performed at the competitive level is a dynamic
and compelling sport for girls. At it's best it requires top
athletic development, yet the resulting performance appears
as effortless and fluid as that of a prima ballerina. Girls
are selected to join The Academy competitive team based upon
a number of factors. In general, we look for a certain degree
of flexibility and physical coordination. However we also
look for natural grace, musicality, creativity and rhythmic
awareness. Our expert coaches then take the new beginner and
set her upon a course of personal athletic development that
is appropriate to her age, interest, and ability level.
Academy athletes are provided with personal training goals
for each season which can be reasonably met and mastered so
that the gymnast recognizes and is proud of her own progress.
As a bonus, our athletes always post excellent results at
the zone, provincial, regional and national events. Mentoring
is encouraged in our club so that young gymnasts have an opportunity
to observe and at times train alongside The Academy's
inspiring National Team Members. Small class sizes and personalized
programs, with great attention to each individual ensure that
our gymnasts receive the best training available in BC.
Mission Statement
The Academy's guiding principle is to nurture and develop
young girls into confident, strong, talented and beautiful
rhythmic gymnasts. There is most definitely a right way to
carry out this process, and The Academy has developed this
into a science. There is no inappropriate pressure or harsh
methods used to push girls before they are ready. Through
careful guidance, respectful encouragement and the highest
standards of our coaching staff, gymnasts are developed properly
for their future. Our training system respects each child's
unique mental and physical developmental stages as she progresses
in the sport and achieves her potential. Whether pursuing
rhythmics for a short time or for national and international
success, all of The Academy gymnasts gain tremendously from
their time training and learning about the beautiful sport
of Rhythmic Gymnastics.
Philosophy
Our philosophy is based on the experience and the expertise our coaches have gained throughout their 28 years of combined coaching experience in Europe and North America. Our program is an exciting mosaic built on the foundation of the Bulgarian school of thought, renowned for its unique apparatus technique, the strengths of the Russian system known for developing clean elegant lines and beautiful body technique, as well as the Canadian principles of ethical behaviour and morals in sport.
We believe in:
- Gradually Building and Nurturing our Athletes
- Developing a Strong Love for the Sport
- Teaching our Athletes Discipline and Respect (toward coaches, parents, team-mates and themselves)
- Teamwork
- Having a Vision and Clear Goals
- Providing a Training Program which will Bring the Athlete to the ceiling of her Natural Talent and Abilities
- Creating Well Rounded Individuals and Future Leaders both in Sport and Everyday Life
- Winning Isn’t Everything – But Making the Effort to Win Is!!!
Training at The Academy
The Competitive Season at The Academy runs from September to June. Our training facility is the Hellenic Community Centre conveniently located on the Westside of Vancouver. This gymnasium is a fabulous training facility, which accommodates two full floor areas complete with two Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) approved Mitufa competitive carpets. The ceiling height is 32 feet, which is above the minimum ceiling height requirements as dictated by FIG. This facility
is the home of our international,
national and provincial
level competitive teams. Upstairs in the Hellenic gymnasium
is a ballet room as well as a balcony area where we hold ballet
and recreational classes. During the summer time The Academy
hosts its one month Summer
Camp Intensive for National and International competitive
rhythmic gymnasts at Saint George's School. The gymnasium at Saint George's School accommodates our two competitive carpets and also has a ceiling height of 35 feet. During the competitive season (September - June) The Academy National and International Level Seniors and Juniors train Monday to Friday, 25 - 30 hours per week. Academy National Level Juniors, Novices and Pre Novices train 3 - 4 times per week, 10 - 16 hours per week. During the 4-week Summer
Camp Intensive Academy Athletes train Monday to Friday for 6 hours per day. While the main focus of summer camp is to develop new body and apparatus skills for the upcoming season, we also incorporate strength training, running, swimming, yoga, ballet, mental training and video review into the weekly training program.
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