Donna Culp

Culp’s Letter (number one): The World of Style
July 19, 2008 by donna culp

Women’s gymnastics is more than just four events, and perhaps that was most apparent as I watched the Olympic Trials (an exciting show in Philadelphia!) after a fun day of lecturing at Congress, running through my notes and Power-Point presentation: “Building the Artistic Gymnast … the Style Rope Way.”

Congress was fascinating. Happily attended, questions started to fly around the room … as coaches (and some judges!) began to catch onto the Style Rope, a simple piece of rope that can seem to make every gymnast an artist. The fact that the Code of Points speaks volumes about the concept of artistry - a possible 1.8 points of deductions at the judge’s fingers - is precisely what makes the Style Rope such an exciting tool.

That being said, unfortunately I am unable to post my presentation, which I shared for Congress. It has over 60 minutes of filming and, in the process, a large portion of this is more like a dialogue arrangement. If however, you are considering purchasing my video with Gym Smarts, you must also ask for the “free download” booklet - this is a very good guide to follow in the workout.

Certainly, if I have a closing statement, it is that every gymnast should be made as artistic as possible. Not just the elite gymnast, because from what I can tell, there is a way. Once you decide and value the challenge, I hope you will enjoy using the Style Rope in your workout.

I am delighted to blog!