Rhythmic gymnastics grew out of the ideas of I.G. Noverre (1722-1810), Francois Delsart (1811-1871), and R. Bode (1881), who all believed in movement expression, where one used dance to express oneself and exercise various body parts.
Chat with our AI personalities
In 1814, Per Henrik Ling developed rhythmic gymnastics out of a Swedish system of free exercise. In 1837 Catherine Beecher developed a program where women would use this free exercise with music. In 1864, Dio Lewis extended this exercise by the use of hoops or clubs. In 1906 rhythmic gymnastics was introduced to North America. Women were allowed into the Olympic Games in 1928. In 1945 Rhythmic gymnastics was a accepted sport in the Soviet Union. Also in 1945, Canada had a rythmics program. In 1948, mens rhythmic gymnastics was originated in Japan. Rhythmic gymnastics was given its own medal standings in the 1952 and 1956 Olympics. In 1981, the sport was officially included into the Olympics. In 1990, rhythmic gymnastics was officially a sport for the Special Olympics