What is Gymnastics Dance Class?

Incorporating the two disciplines of gymnastics and dance takes an instructor who is skilled in both of these forms of performing arts. Unfortunately, there are not many gymnastic coaches who are skilled in dance or dance teachers who hold a passion for gymnastics. However, it can be done with the right instructors and students.

How are the Two Sports Integrated?

The two sports of dance and gymnastics each have key areas that are relied on and strengthened in order to become proficient at it.

• Gymnastics. Gymnastics is a weight-bearing sport. The ability to support the weight of the body in different routines and poses is a key element to gymnastics. Training in gymnastics alone develops muscular strength and coordination. Most of the skills within the gymnastics discipline make use of symmetrical training that develops equal development within the body. Gymnastics routines are a more balance and technique driven.


• Dance. Dance can also be called a weight-bearing sport, with a more rounded and centered approach. Dance improves posture and balance that will naturally contribute to gymnastics. Much of dance relies on being centered or finding your “core.” This adds to the grace of dance and rounds out the sometimes-jerky movements found in gymnastics and tumbling routines. Dance bases its movement on fluidity and precision.

Gymnastics Dance Classes

Although the two disciplines rely on different methods to achieve their outcomes, they are very similar. Professionals in both areas realize this and will often insist that a gymnast take dance classes and a dancer to take gymnastics to round out the performer’s skills and abilities.

Rhythmic gymnastics is a form of gymnastics that actually incorporates both sports together. This form of gymnastics requires the use of objects such as ribbons, balls or hoops. It minimizes the gymnastic aspect of it and limits the performer to simply tumbling such as walkovers and cartwheels. It is set to music and although not completely choreographed with the music in mind, in the form of musicality, it does feature the music a bit more than normal gymnastics floor routines.