Exercise with a ball and a scarf: Marina Shpekht talks about the unique form of rhythmic gymnastics in China

Coach Marina Shpekht, a judge at the Beijing competition, who held training camps at Alina Kabaeva Sky Grace Rhythmic Gymnastics Academy, spoke about a new type of program that was invented and implemented in China. At the 12th Zhong Ling Cup international tournament, among other objects, gymnasts also perform with a ball and a scarf at the same time.

“If we take the origins of rhythmic gymnastics, then both the ball and the scarf are one of the first items that gymnasts began to perform with from the very beginning of this sport. Chinese gymnastics decided to combine this in one exercise. This is, firstly, very interesting, beautiful, unusual, and, secondly, it gives a very good development of the object. There are some very interesting approaches to catching.  I think we'll take note of them”.

She also evaluated the preparation level of Chinese gymnasts and highlighted the features of their style:

”There are some clubs, some gymnasts who have very interesting and musical compositions.They win over with artistic presentation. They have a very unusual music selection and they really create an image on set. What caught my eye is that all Chinese gymnasts have incomparable leotards". 

The Zhong Ling Cup international tournament was held in the capital of China on August 10-13.