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MRG CLINIC The National Clinic for Modern Rhythmic Gymnastics, sponsored by the United States Gymnastics Federation, was held April 27-29, 1977 at the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa. The clinic included teaching of all the compulsory routines for the beginning, intermediate and advanced level (Class Ill, II and I); introduction to modern rhythmic gymnastics techniques including presentation of the fundamentals of rope, hoop, ball and ribbon work; presentation of difficulties for optional routines with rope, hoop, ball, club and ribbon; and rules and regulations for judging of compulsory, optional and group exercises. A total of approximately 40 gymnasts and teachers were enrolled in the clinic, which ¡o ffered one hour of University of Iowa undergraduate or graduate credit for successful completion of the clinic. The participants were also given the opportunity to take the Judges Certification Examination for Modern Rhythmic Gymnastics at any of the levels offered (Apprentice, Associate, State, Regional or National). The examination session was conducted by Dr. Andrea Schmid of San Francisco State University. The various sessions were taught by the following clinicians: Kathy Brym (University of Iowa); Candace Feinberg (Las Vegas); Annelis S. Hoyman (University of Illinois, Urbana); Elena losif (New Jersey); Jane Jurew (Oak Park, Ill.); Andrea Schmid (San Francisco State University); Alla Svirskiy (Culver City); and Nora Veyette (George Williams College, Ill.). The schedule for the clinic was very full; however, the participants, who were very enthusiastic and eager to learn, did not seem to mind, but learned very readily the many different compulsory routines presented, as well as the techniques and various difficulties used for optionals. Due to the fact that the clinicians in general were very well prepared and knowledgeable of the subject matter, and because the tight schedule with a few exceptions was followed very closely, the content was covered adequately. All sessions were presided by Norma Zabka, Chairman of the USGF Modern Rhythmic Gymnastics Committee.
Sue Soffee AA Champion In Modern Rhythmic Gymnastics By Annelis S. Hoyman After last year's disappointingly small number of participants in the Modern Rhythmic Gymnastic National Championships it was gratifying to see so many entrants at the 1977 MRG National Championships, which were held in the University of Iowa Field House, Iowa City, on April 30, 1977, and was sponsored by the United States Gymnastics Federation. In addition to a total of 26 gymnasts entering the Senior Division, a Junior Division with a total of ten competitors vied for honors in that division. Also participating in the group competition was a team of six gymnasts from the Modern Gym Club (Washington, D.C.). Two of the gymnasts were entered as guests from Canada, and of the rest a total of fourteen were All Around competitors. In the Junior Division six were All Around competitors. The gymnasts were from California, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, and Oregon. In spite of previous publicity the number of spectators was disappointingly small. The competition included optional individual compositions using the following pieces of implements: rope, hoop, ball and ribbon for both the senior and junior division. The group exercise for six gymnasts was performed using two clubs to each gymnast. The junior division started out alternating between rope and hoop competition and continuing with ball and ribbon. The age of the gymnasts ranged from 12-14 years; several of the girls exhibited very good style and excellent handling of the equipment. Particularly impressive were the performances by Sandra Shannon and Valerie Zimring, both of Culver City, California; the two girls were consistently taking first and second place in each event. Tammy Shipp of Las Vegas, Nevada, who has only practised Modern Rhythmic Gymnastics for approximately three months, also promises to become a fine modern rhythmic gymnast.
Toby Turner
In the senior division, the competition for which followed the same rules as for the junior division, last year's MRG All Around Champion, Sue Soffee, competing for the third time in the National Championships, gave a very fine performance in all four events and took first place in each in addition to being declared the All Around Champion . Sue showed her greatest improvement in her presentations with the rope and the ball. Lydia Bree, Sue's team mate, was also quite impressive in her presentations, except in the event with the ball. A newcomer to the sport, Toby Turner of Sacramento, California, exhibited expression and poise throughout her execution. Her techni"que was on the whole very good, and she took third place All Around. Both she and Lydia Bree showed great promise for the future. The Canadian visitors were both very good and were consistently amongst the top scorers in the competition, but excluded from receiving any of the awards.