The World Gymnaestrada is the largest general gymnastics exhibition. It is held every four years much like the Olympics. But the focus of this event is not on winning medals. The Gymnaestrada is about Group Performances – some with hundreds or even thousands of participants. Adults and children of every age and description perform. Countries from around the world come together to showcase their talent and the culture of their various countries. The choreography is designed both to challenge the participants and to delight audiences. Routines are performed at various venues within the host country. Large group routines are known as “Mass Routines” which involve hundreds of gymnasts. The Mass Routines are often performed in large stadiums where spectators can take in routines performed by gymnasts from all over the world. The name Gymnaestrada is formed from the words Gymnastik – Estrada – Strada. It is believed to have been invented by J H Sommer, Chairman of the Royal Dutch Gymnastics Federation.
Contents |
| Edition | Date | City | Country | Participating federation[1] | Gymnasts[2] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | 1953 | Rotterdam | Netherlands | 14 | 5'000 |
| II | 1957 | Zagreb | YUG | 16 | 6'000 |
| III | 26–30 July 1961 | Stuttgart | West Germany | 16 | 10'000 |
| IV | 20–24 July 1965 | Vienna | AUT | 28 | 15'600 |
| V | 2–6 July 1969 | Bâle | SUI | 29 | 9'600 |
| VI | 1–5 July 1975 | Berlin | East Germany | 23 | 10'500 |
| VII | 13–17 July 1982 | Zurich | SUI | 23 | 14'200 |
| VIII | 7–11 July 1987 | Herning | Denmark | 25 | 17'300 |
| IX | 15–20 July 1991 | Amsterdam | NED | 28 | 19'500 |
| X | 9–15 July 1995 | Berlin | GER | 34 | 19'300 |
| XI | 2–10 July 1999 | Göteborg | SWE | 39 | 23'500 |
| XII | 20–26 July 2003 | Lisbon | Portugal | 57 | 25'000 |
| XIII | 8–14 July 2007 | Dornbirn | AUT | 56[3] | 21'000[4] |
| XIV | 10–16 July 2011 | Lausanne | SUI | 55[5] | 19'100 |
| XV | 2015 | Helsinki | Finland [6] |
The World Gymnaestrada Lausanne 2011 will be held in Lausanne, Switzerland, from 10 to 16 July.[7]
The World Gymnaestrada Lausanne 2011 in brief: [8]
The World Gymnaestrada Lausanne 2011? A city, a canton, a country of gymnasts that we want united behind a single project symbolized by a slogan: WG-2011 or… Meet the Magic !
The World Gymnaestrada is based on two central elements:
The WG-2011 is also a great opportunity...
...for all, beginners or experts, to discover rich, varied and high quality gymnastics productions and to live a magic week.
The World Gymnaestrada 2015 will be held in Helsinki, Finland.[9]