Recently I attended a modest but precious for me anniversary celebration devoted to the history of rhythmic gymnastics. Few people know that this amazingly beautiful sport originated in St.Petersburg. In 1934, a Higher School of Rhythmic Movement was opened under the L.F.Lesgaft Institute of Physical Culture. Importantly, although it’s so similar to dancing in content, the sport was taken seriously rather than a form of entertainment.

And that’s how 75 years ago in Leningrad, rhythmic gymnastics gained the status of sport and became part of professional sporting life.

On December 1, 2009 anniversary was celebrated in the Institute’s Department of Gymnastics Theory and Methodology, which has kept its original title and its wonderful traditions despite all of historical upheavals. I always emphasize that I’m very proud that the most beautiful kind of Olympic sports started here and in our country. Serious approach towards rhythmic gymnastics has produced substantial results: our school was and still remains the best and strongest in the world. We still continue to have the very best teachers and trainers – both theoreticians and practitioners – as demonstrated by the successes of Russian gymnasts at international tournaments.

Not so long ago I graduated from the Lesgaft Institute, and was very glad to have an opportunity to go back to my alma mater. I was really happy to see all my teachers and congratulate them once again on the anniversary wishing them prosperity, artistic inspiration and success.

During the event, Department Head of Gymnastics Theory and Methodology, Professor Raisa Nikolaevna Terekhina, gave a very interesting address. I think many people simply have no idea how much this department has done to promote gymnastics in Russia. So, that’s why I’ve decided to post Raisa Nikolaevna’s report on my website.