Gymnastics show - pictures

Maggie's gymnastics class held its end-of-semester show yesterday. This was a chance for parents, grandparents, and other guests to come inside the gym area and take pictures, shoot video, and just generally get an up-close look at the work our kids have been doing since January. We can always "see" them since there are big glass windows between the lobby and the actual gym, but it was fun being able to roam around and get pictures, and Maggie loved having us there. Mammaw (Bobby's mom) was a special guest and had fun seeing Maggie's "talents."

The kids performed short routines at each of three stations: floor, beam, and bars. There was also a fun warm-up act, and a hilarious game of "head, shoulders, knees, and toes" to cool down. We were so proud of Maggie, especially considering that early in this gymnastics class, we seriously considered pulling her out because she didn't seem to be enjoying it. What a difference two months makes!! Here are some pictures from the day. (OK, if I'm being honest, here are A TON of pictures ...) I'm working on video too, but it may be tomorrow before I get it up.

When Mr. Keith called their names, the kids ran out from behind this curtain and did a trick on the red mat before sitting with the other kids against the wall.


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Being silly during the warm-up:



Lining up as a train, ready to move to the first "station." For the first three months of class, Maggie refused to line up with the train. Now she loves it! They sing a little song as they move from station to station.



Here is her floor routine, with Mr. Ryan helping out. First, a backward roll.



Playing around with Ryan:



Then a forward roll:



And finally a monkey jump, which I think is meant to be a sort of precursor to the cartwheel.


Next, the train moved to the balance beam station.



They are allowed to play on other small equipment in the station while other kids are doing their routines.



Next was the high-bar station with Mr. Keith. Here, he gives the kids their instructions. He always makes it fun and playful for them.


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These days, Maggie is obsessed with being first, going first, being the leader, or winning any sort of race, even if it's she and I racing up the stairs or to the car. She had asked Mr. Keith if she could go first, but he'd already told someone else they could. So she waited so patiently right there next to the bar, and he let her go next.


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She used to be so timid on the balance beam. Now look at her! She actually snuck back to it while her group was at the high-bar station. I snapped these next two pics before herding her back to her group.


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Their cool-down was the song "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes." It got faster and faster and faster, and it was a riot to see the kids trying to keep up. The video is much cuter than this picture:



At the end of the show, they had a medal ceremony, with each child getting a chance to climb the podium and receive a medal (and much applause).



Some group pictures of the whole class. Here they are with their arms raised in victory.



One more:

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Making silly faces at Mr. Keith.


Maggie's skills and confidence have improved a million percent since she started the class, and it was fun to watch her blossom throughout the semester. We love The Little Gym and will definitely be returning in the fall!