Few parents enrol their child in gymnastics with a view to them being a champion. Seven times Olympic medalist Shannon Miller once said:
“Go into gymnastics because you have fun doing it, not because of ‘what ifs’ and dreams of gold medals. That way, no matter what happens, you’re a winner.”
That’s something we believe in strongly, but for some, competition is definitely the best route and if it is, we have some of the country’s leading coaches to help them achieve their potential.
Esprit is a recognised centre of excellence and our gymnasts have competed at the highest level; representing their club, county, region, even their country. A few exceptional individuals have been part of Great Britain teams at International level.
Being asked to join an Esprit squad is a privilige few achieve. It is a responsibility to be taken seriously and if your child is asked to join a development squad, we will give you information to help you understand what we do, why we do it and what your role is, as your child’s biggest fan.
Our role however, always remains the same: to see your child grow into a fit, healthy, happy and well balanced individual.
Top artistic gymnasts must develop many different attributes: strength, balance, flexibility, spatial awareness and grace being some of the most important.
They also must possess psychological qualities such as the courage to attempt extremely difficult moves and have the ability to compete under intense pressure on four completely different pieces of equipment – floor, vault, bars and beam.
To achieve all this they must have the discipline and work ethic to practice a routine many, many, many times.
Includes elements of classical ballet, superb choreography, dextrous handling skills, amazing co-ordination, incredible flexibility and strength, it is one of the most beautiful spectacles of any sport on the Olympic programme.
Competitors perform short routines to music using hand apparatus including a ball, clubs, rope, hoop or ribbon – on a floor area measuring 13m by 13m.
The sport includes individual, duet, trio and group routines and scores are awarded in three categories: difficulty, artistry and execution.
Enables people of all ages and abilities to participate and rather than being selected, gymnasts audition for a place in Esprit’s renowned display team.
They perform synchronized, choreographed routines in groups and there are no age limits once over 7.
Esprit performs at many non-competitive festivals around the UK and Europe, including EuroGym, a Gymnaestrada generally held somewhere in Europe and often sees more spectators and participants than in the Olympics.
Trampolining and tumbling consists of four events, individual, synchronized, DMT and tumbling.
Dynamic and skilfull they utilise many of the attributes required for artistic gymnastics and are the perfect way to prolong a competitive career.
Quite often we will steer a gymnast to one or more of these disciplines as they grow, to ensure they get the most out of their gymnastics career.
