what's with all the hand gestures on beam routines? (women's gymnastics)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:new poster, I swear. I don't actually like the russian gymnasts. I prefer the strong, solid Americans.

Gymnastics is interesting to me because it so mirrors society in terms of not really knowing how to deal with women. As a sport, gymnasts hasn't really decided if it's about athleticism, or if it's still about women being lovely. And then there's this whole sexualized aspect to it (the skimpy uniforms) that's mixed with the keeping the "girls" young - the underdeveloped female bodies, the ponytails, calling them girls.

It's less obvious in the Olympics, at the highest caliber of sport. But I've been to a few meets at the collegiate level - some of the women look so awkward trying to do the required "dance" moves.

I think they really can't decide if it's about strength or not.

All uniforms for all sports are getting skimpier

And gymnastics has probably changed the least. The differences from gymnastics leotards from Nadia's age or even the Atlanta games are better fabrics and more rhinestones/bling.

The leg cut is only very slightly higher, really an insignificant difference.

The other sports uniforms have changed drastically, but not gymnastics leotards.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do they have a men's version of this where judging is partially based on grace/dancing?

Do you use a wet stone to grind your axe or do you prefer another method?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:new poster, I swear. I don't actually like the russian gymnasts. I prefer the strong, solid Americans.

Gymnastics is interesting to me because it so mirrors society in terms of not really knowing how to deal with women. As a sport, gymnasts hasn't really decided if it's about athleticism, or if it's still about women being lovely. And then there's this whole sexualized aspect to it (the skimpy uniforms) that's mixed with the keeping the "girls" young - the underdeveloped female bodies, the ponytails, calling them girls.

It's less obvious in the Olympics, at the highest caliber of sport. But I've been to a few meets at the collegiate level - some of the women look so awkward trying to do the required "dance" moves.

I think they really can't decide if it's about strength or not.

All uniforms for all sports are getting skimpier

And gymnastics has probably changed the least. The differences from gymnastics leotards from Nadia's age or even the Atlanta games are better fabrics and more rhinestones/bling.

The leg cut is only very slightly higher, really an insignificant difference.

The other sports uniforms have changed drastically, but not gymnastics leotards.

Also, underdeveloped? There is nothing "underdeveloped" about Aly Raisman or Laurie Hernandez. Did you see the pics of Raisman in Sports Illustrated's "Body" issue?

http://www.espn.com/espn/photos/gallery/_/id/13174028/image/18/aly-raisman-bodies-want-2015

[Anonymous]

The hand and arm movements are also useful for balance and to camouflage wobbles and balance checks. Often, particularly on beam, those artsy dance elements help center the gymnast after a leap or skill

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can someone please shoot whoever requires these girls to waste so much time with the hands movements?! I mean this is why I don't get in to sports at all. ABSOLUTELY STUPID!!!

On the beam I think you're supposed to be constantly moving. You're not supposed to be still. So the hand movements are obv a type of movement.

[Anonymous]

Who here remembers when the Romanians dominated? I kept wondering where they were! Guess I'm just that old!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:new poster, I swear. I don't actually like the russian gymnasts. I prefer the strong, solid Americans.

Gymnastics is interesting to me because it so mirrors society in terms of not really knowing how to deal with women. As a sport, gymnasts hasn't really decided if it's about athleticism, or if it's still about women being lovely. And then there's this whole sexualized aspect to it (the skimpy uniforms) that's mixed with the keeping the "girls" young - the underdeveloped female bodies, the ponytails, calling them girls.

It's less obvious in the Olympics, at the highest caliber of sport. But I've been to a few meets at the collegiate level - some of the women look so awkward trying to do the required "dance" moves.

I think they really can't decide if it's about strength or not.

All uniforms for all sports are getting skimpier

And gymnastics has probably changed the least. The differences from gymnastics leotards from Nadia's age or even the Atlanta games are better fabrics and more rhinestones/bling.

The leg cut is only very slightly higher, really an insignificant difference.

The other sports uniforms have changed drastically, but not gymnastics leotards.

I hate the gymnastics leotards now. The rhinestones and sparkles look like some crazed person went after them with a bedazzler. And the insane amount of makeup they all wear. And matching sparkly scrunchies. Just awful. Look at the older leotards, with the lines down the arm or similar--they look better, more like a sports uniform and less like a Broadway chorus line reject.