Club Focus: How TARG are keeping Rhythmic Gymnastics Alive in Tasmania

In Launceston, a small volunteer-led club is creating opportunities for young people to experience a specialised sport that remains difficult to access in many parts of Tasmania.

The Tasmanian Academy of Rhythmic Gymnastics was established in 2023 as a welcoming and supportive place for children and young people to learn rhythmic gymnastics.

Today, the not-for-profit club welcomes approximately 30 gymnasts across its beginner, intermediate and advanced programs. Despite its relatively short history, the Academy has already produced a number of state champions.

“Like a lot of things in Tasmania, we are a small club that punches above our weight.”

Creating pathways in northern Tasmania

Rhythmic gymnastics brings together movement, flexibility, coordination and dance with apparatus skills using ribbons, balls, hoops, clubs and ropes.

The Academy’s programs begin with foundational skills before introducing gymnasts to more advanced movements and apparatus work. Developing pathways into Level 3 and Level 5 competition are also available for gymnasts who are ready and interested.

As a small club, the Academy works flexibly with families and adapts participation wherever it is safe and practical. Families are encouraged to discuss individual needs, reasonable adjustments and the most appropriate pathway for their gymnast.

Whether someone is entering the gym for the first time or hopes to compete, the club wants them to have an opportunity to learn the art and skills of rhythmic gymnastics.

Building confidence through new equipment

Through our 20 years, $20,000 initiative with Gymnastics Tasmania, the Academy received a  Starter Beam, Incline Wedge, Flexi Roll, and Cartwheel Mats.

The club selected this equipment to create a safer, more supportive environment for developing cartwheels, rolls, handstands and other tumbling movements that complement rhythmic gymnastics.

The equipment will also help gymnasts explore the more acrobatic skills they enjoy, particularly when those movements can be incorporated into routines with a ribbon or ball.

With two coaches now in place, the Academy can establish more skill stations, accommodate different ages and abilities, and keep more gymnasts actively involved during classes.

“Less waiting, more practicing and hopefully a few more confident cartwheels along the way.”

The community behind the club

Like many small sporting organisations, the Academy has faced challenges involving venue access, coaching capacity and participation costs.

Its coaches, volunteers, families and Board have continued working together to keep the club operating and build a positive, sustainable pathway for the future.

At the centre of those efforts are the gymnasts themselves.

“Without them, we wouldn’t volunteer our time. We love their dogged determination to learn new skills and apply them on the mat.”

That shared commitment is reflected in the three words the Academy uses to describe its club:

Supportive. Community. Joyful.

Looking towards the next 12 months

The Academy is looking forward to welcoming new gymnasts and strengthening its beginner, intermediate and advanced classes.

It also hopes to support its coaches, improve access to equipment and give gymnasts more opportunities to perform, celebrate their progress and represent the club.

Another priority is creating a clear and achievable pathway for gymnasts interested in returning to competition.

While performances and competition provide important goals, the Academy also encourages its gymnasts to be patient with themselves and recognise every step forward.

“Do not compare your beginning with someone else’s middle. Progress in gymnastics is built one small skill at a time. Be patient, keep trying and find the joy.”

A stronger future for rhythmic gymnastics

As one of only a handful of clubs teaching rhythmic gymnastics in Tasmania, the Academy hopes its continued growth will inspire more coaches and clubs to introduce the sport across the island.

“We are genuinely helping to keep this beautiful sport alive in our state.”

For the Tasmanian Academy of Rhythmic Gymnastics, every new participant, developing coach and confident cartwheel contributes to that future.