The ribbon came to rhythmic gymnastics from artistic dance. At the beginning of the last century, ballerinas sometimes took to the stage with long scarves and shawls made of light fabrics. For example, Isadora Duncan, the founder of free dance, performed with a scarf.
Gymnasts began to attach the fabric to a thin stick, which is how a new object called the pennant came about. It looks like the modern ribbon, which was approved in 1954. Since then, the object has barely changed.
Currently, the ribbon requirements are strictly set in the rules. Its width should be 4-6 centimeters, and the length depends on the age of the gymnast. Juniors perform with ribbons of at least five meters in length, seniors - at least six meters. The length of the stick is also regulated: from 50 to 60 centimeters.
Generally, the ribbons are made from light, but rather wear-resistant fabrics, which is viscose or satin. The color can vary, there are even studios available that create original ribbon designs. Artists hand paint using brushes and an airbrush to decorate ribbons.
Ribbons are said to symbolize grace and lightness, although it’s not exactly easy to work with. It is a very unpredictable object and the quality of the image created in the air is affected by the gymnast’s skill, the level of humidity and ventilation. It’s a fact that a wet ribbon is easily wrinkled and can tangle into knots, that is why gymnasts often have a pocket iron, so it is easier to dry and smooth it out.