Rhythmic space gymnastics, Hackensack NJ, rhythmic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics New Jersey, rhythmic gymnastics Hackensack, rhythmic half shoes, dance shoes, rhythmic gymnastics shoes, rhythmic toe shoes, rhythmic gymnastics ropes, rhythmic gymnastics balls, rhythmic balls, rhythmic gymnastics hoops, rhythmic gymnastics apparatus, rhythmic gymnastics equipment, rhythmic gymnastics supplies, rhythmic gymnastics ribbons, rhythmic ice skating, rhythmic ice dancing, gymnastics ribbons ,rhythmic gymnastics books

Rhythmic Gymnastics - The Beginnings - The Sport and the Company

In 1969, the President of the United States Gymnastics Federation (USGF), Frank Bare, requested Mildred Prchal of Illinois to learn more about the new sport called Modern Rhythmic Gymnastics, that was developing throughout Europe, in order to begin organizing it in the United States. Mrs. Prchal made plans to attend the 1969 World Championships and asked Nora Campbell of Illinois if she would be interested to accompany her.

In the early 1970's, Mrs. Prchal started recruiting persons with a background in rhythmic exercise and organized a camp at Sokol Barryville, NY with the purpose of teaching Rhythmic Gymnastics, the sport, to professionals in the United States. One of the clinicians at this camp was Maria Bakos, former national Rhythmic Gymnastics coach of Hungary. Among the persons attending were Norma Zabka of NY and Nora Campbell.

After this camp, several attendees started Rhythmic classes at their schools. In the Eastern United States, Maria Bakos started the first classes in competitive Rhythmic Gymnastics at the American Sokol Organization in Little Ferry, New Jersey in 1971 and Norma Zabka began classes at Hunter College in New York City.

One of the attendees at the Little Ferry classes was Ellen Garlicki, an artistic gymnast from the American Sokol Organization. Ms. Garlicki was captivated by the sport, became a competitor at the first Regional and National competitions, and continued a competitive career through the late 1970's when she became a member of the First USA Group Team and participated at the 1979 World Championships. During her competitive career, sources for apparatus were scarce. At the 1976 Nationals, Ellen's wooden hoop did not meet the standard apparatus regulations and her ribbon was found to be too short. After competing with another competitor's spare ribbon, which was one meter too long, and having to adjust the hoop on the morning of competition to meet regulations, Ellen realized that apparatus sources were inadequate, and as a result, she decided to work at improving the situation. By 1979 she established an apparatus supply company called Rhythmic Gymnastics Ltd., later incorporated, and Rhythmic Gymnastics Inc. continues serving the needs of rhythmic competitors today.

Hours of Operation:
By Appointment / Classes