Artistry Redefined

At the conclusion of the first ever European Games in Baku, Azerbaijan, much focus was on the lack of "artistry"and entertainment in floor performances from gymnasts around the world. While the artistry debate is by no means a new issue, it appears to be a seemingly never ending cycle of disappointment and arguments amongst gym fans and coaches. All the talk really got me thinking. The American gymnasts are always being ripped on for having "boring" choreography and not fitting the protocol of a true "artistic" gymnast. Meanwhile, certain European countries- mainly the Russians, have always been referred to as some of the most artistic gymnasts on the scene due to their long beautiful lines and elegance on the floor. After the European Games, the countries that have always been praised for putting on quality performances and producing technically pleasing gymnasts are now being criticized for being emotionally detached from their performance. I say it's about time! Some of my favorite routines currently are not ones where the gymnast is just beautiful to watch. They have to showcase something special besides their natural beauty! My favorite routines are the ones in which the gymnast is able to sell the choreography and keep my attention for the whole minute and thirty seconds she's on the floor. If you can't sell your routine then it will turn into a snooze fest. One US coach even admitted that the routines in Baku were putting her to sleep, but because some of these gymnasts are flexible, graceful, and from a country that historically produces beautiful gymnasts, they typically get a free pass into the exclusive club of "artistic" gymnasts in today's world of elite gymnastics. It's a small club where apparently no powerful gymnasts are allowed! Now I'm not trying to say that all of the gymnasts from these countries aren't artistic, because some certainly are, however I don't think it's fair that they all automatically get grouped together as some of "the most artistic gymnasts currently competing" (that's a direct quote I read from a gym fan) simply for their body type or because they are from a country that is known for it's artistry. 

I think that's wrong and unfair. In the dictionary artistry is defined as "having or showing the skill of an artist." When you google the word artistry it gives you related words such as creative, imaginative, and expressive. So when you watch a routine ask yourself this: Is this routine creative or unique and is the gymnast truly expressing herself in the choreography? Those are the things that truly matter. Just because you can wave your arms around like a ballerina doesn't mean you can entertain a crowd. A routine that plays to the likes of flexibility and grace is no more worthy than a routine that showcases power and athleticism. Each can be entertaining, unique to the athlete, and you guessed it- artistic! As long as it suits the athlete and she can perform it... then it's golden!  I've found that most of the routines that I truly enjoy watching are ones where the athlete connects with the crowd. They smile, they make eye contact, and they tell a story. Considering the current state of elite gymnastics, I feel you have to do more than just wave your arms around and have pretty lines in order stand out. The definition of "artistry" in this sport needs to go beyond that. Here are a few routines that I truly enjoy and I feel bring a new definition to artistry.

Catherine Lyons | Great Britain 
Most gym fans are already familiar with British junior stand out Catherine Lyons because of her unique floor choreography and mature style of dance. Catherine uses more than just her beautiful lines to draw the crowd in-- she tells a story with her eyes and her body. Some of the choreography from her most recent floor routine is actually recycled from a routine she performed at the age of nine. The routine was such a hit that Catherine's coach Rochelle Douglas wanted to recreate it. "Rochelle wanted the routine to remind me of my growth and journey through gymnastics, so the first section of dance is exactly the same as when I was 9." Catherine told International Gymnast Magazine (June 2015) "Throughout the routine we try to revisit through dance all the success and struggles I've had on the journey so far, finishing the routine knowing that my dreams are just within my reach, but that I am not quite there yet." she said. Catherine's style naturally fits the "artistic gymnast" stereotype, but she is unique in the fact that she can draw the crowd in with more than just her grace; it's her expression and performance quality that really set her apart. I also love how she utilizes every beat with dramatic movements. Few gymnasts nowadays are able to achieve that.



Marta Pihan- Kuleza | Poland 
This Pink Panther inspired routine is very fun and playful! Marta does an excellent job of entertaining the crowd with her calm and collected style. I honestly loved this routine from the moment I saw it. This is the type of floor routine that should break the mold on what we consider artistic. Marta is a powerful gymnast who isn't necessarily the best dancer and doesn't have the most graceful lines. I think we could all agree that she would awkward attempting a ballet-style routine, so she plays to her strengths by showcasing her powerful tumbling and fun-loving personality through a more jazzy routine. A routine like this will leave the judges smiling and the audience entertained. What more could you ask for? The choreography goes well with the music and everything flows together nicely!



Laurie Hernandez | USA
Laurie Hernandez is known across the globe for her spunky, sassy, and entertaining floor performances. At the 2015 Jesolo meet she debuted her newest floor routine and as expected- it's nothing short of spectacular! Laurie's coach Maggie Haney told us that the inspiration for this routine came from Mary Lee Tracy. "We were talking at camp one night and she told me that she looks at Laurie as a happy and energetic gymnast; someone who truly loves the sport of gymnastics and always has fun with it," Maggie said "So I went back home and found the most fun and sassy music I could find. I took it to the gym the next day and we just blasted it as loud as we could! We started dancing around and we got some crazy ideas!" Maggie says the routine was made 100% for the audience and that she hopes everyone is on the edge of their seat waiting for her to perform. When it's Laurie's turn to go, she hopes everyone has a smile on their face from start to finish. "I tried to make it fun, playful and of course sassy. We all know Laurie is the queen of sassy!" Maggie said. Fun faces are actually choreographed into Laurie's routine including her "Instagram face" which Maggie says is her personal favorite. Laurie is the perfect example of what exactly a floor routine is all about. You can always count on her for a crowd-pleasing performance. I think it's great that so much emphasis is put on the small little details such as hand placements and even facial expressions, because it really does bring the entire performance together. The choreography is big and the energy is so high throughout the whole routine! Love it or hate it, you can't look away and that's exactly what each gymnast should strive to accomplish!



Claire Martin | France
Another routine that recently caught my attention was Claire Martin- who connects with the crowd through her playful, but polished presentation. Claire's choreographer Adriana Pop told International Gymnast Magazine that the inspiration for this routine was Claire herself and that her character is a fairy who must escape from evil power. "Once Claire understood what I wanted, she made the expression." Pop explained. "The story is simple. You can see the slow part, and at the end when the music gets faster and faster, she escapes at last, little by little." Adriana said Claire's floor performance captures moments of struggle and triumph. The character she embodies posses many of her own traits, which made it so easy for her to connect with. It's an interesting but beautiful routine that was very well thought out. Similar to Catherine Lyons, any gymnast who can convey a story in just a minute and thirty seconds is a true artist.



Victoria Moors | Canada 
I've always been a big fan of Victoria's floor routines because she makes that connection with the audience. It's the look in her eyes and the intensity in her expression that always made her routines memorable. It's amazing that she is able to execute such powerful tumbling elements while also having such intricate dance, because that combination is rare. Victoria places focus on both which is extremely difficult nowadays, but super important. Throughout her entire career, Victoria always did a wonderful job of finding that balance. With the announcement of her retirement from gymnastics just a few weeks ago, the sport will definitely miss the beautiful Victoria Moors and her performances.



These are the types of performances that I wish to see more of. As you can see, they come from gymnasts all over the world who have different strengths and weaknesses, but in the end they all achieve the same goal-- to entertain the audience and tell a story that they each can personally connect with. Kudos to all the athletes who put the time and effort into making their floor routines a true performance- which is what artistry is all about. What are some of your favorite floor routines and why? What kind of routine leaves a lasting impression on you? Leave a comment below!