Rhythmic Gymnastics Performance and How to Prepare for It

Rhythmic gymnastics combines grace, precision and emotion — every performance is a work of art. But behind the beauty lies careful planning. Here’s how to prepare for a performance: from routine length to the gymnast’s look.

How long does a routine last?

For individual gymnasts, a routine usually lasts 1–1.5 minutes — short, but demanding total focus and technical skill. Group performances last longer — up to 2 minutes 50 seconds — because of the added complexity and rules.

What does preparation include?

Physical preparation
The athlete must build strength, flexibility, endurance and coordination. Many hours go into perfecting elements and full combinations.

Music and choreography
Music should highlight the gymnast’s style and match the theme. The gymnast, coach and choreographer choose it together. Choreography is created to show off strengths.

Choosing the costume
A leotard must be beautiful and practical — comfortable, well-fitted and compliant with regulations. The fabric, colour and style should match the routine’s theme.

Hair and makeup
The gymnast’s look should be neat and match the performance’s mood. Hair — usually a tight bun or braid — should stay in place.

Run-throughs and rehearsals
Final practices in a competition-like setting help fix any details and boost confidence.

Key elements: leotard, music, hair

Every detail matters: the leotard must fit perfectly and match the concept, music should be age-appropriate and clean, the hairstyle should hold throughout the routine.

Preparing for a rhythmic gymnastics performance is a careful, creative process. It’s this attention to detail — from technique to costume and music — that helps a gymnast show her skills and artistic spirit on stage.