Gymnastics

smiles37523

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 09 March 2011 - 07:04

Hi Smiles - I recommend either one of 2 options: Dugym or Shams. Shams follows the USA Junior Olympic Compulsory Program. Dugym follows the British Key Step gymnastics programme http://www.dugym.com/ http://www.shamsgymnastics.com/ Our experience over 2 years with Dugym and 1 year with Shams was that Shams is by far the best option between the two for serious gymnasts and moms who insist on good value for money. Dugym coaches at various locations and activities depend on what equipment is available at the location. If there are no uneven bars or trampolines, then the kids just don't learn that aspect of the programme. Shams coaches from a big, but old hall in Safa near Horison school and has all the equipment to ensure a well balanced programme. What the kids learned over 2 years with Dugym, they learned during one term with Shams. The majority of students at Dugym are little ones, when they reach ages 9+ it becomes problematic. DD by that age was in a group of 5 girls who were all newcomers so ALL the attention was focussed on teaching the other girls the basics (something as elementary as a forward roll!!!!), DD stagnated and became bored. DS on the other hand was the only boy in his group and Dugym just proceeded to include and teach him the girls programme. Sometimes there were over 20 kids in a group with only 2 or 3 coaches. I wasted sooo much money . . . The coaches are friendly and open, I cannot fault that. Since they are dependant on schools, they are also dependant on that specific school's holidays. With Shams it is a different ballgame alltogether. She offers a specific boys/girls programme, they don't do mixed classes. and when my kids started with her they were behind due to not being exposed to equipment such as the trampoline, even and uneven bars. They al;so lacked upperbody and arm strength. Within a term they mastered those and my boy walked away with 3 gold medals and my girl with 1 gold and was overall placed silver (2nd) during the competition. They work hard at Shams and her ratio of coaches are about 1 coach 3-4 kids. She also teaches adult gymnastics so that should give you an idea of her expertise. The kids even sported 6 packs after a term with Shams :D Her entire approach is different, she makes them sweat but in a nice way. All of this taken in consideration however, Shams as far as I know does not teach rythmic gymnastics. You will be looking at Dugym for that. I would say our experience indicates Dugym is good for fun and younger ages, Shams for skill and more serious gymnasts. Dugym is a money machine whereas Shams also donates the majority of her income to Amani Children's Home in Tanzania where as far as I know she build the kids a school. Gymnastics is a passion for her. The rythmic group at Dugym might be a different experience to their normal classes though. They spent more time coachin both their selective squad group and the ruthmic gymnasts. I saw the girls perform and they looked impressive enough. I also really like Susanne, even though I was disappointed with the group in general. Speak to her and Shams and see what they can offer your girl. I would also suggest attending a session at both to watch. With Dugym being able to attendaand watch depends on the school. At Jess for e.g. parents are not allowed to watch, at JAPS they are since there is a balcony area. At Shams every parent is allowed to watch. There are other options too, but I have no experience of them. Hopefully someone else will be able to give you feedback. http://www.dubai-gymnastics.com/index.php Also known as UAE gymnastics http://www.excelsportsuae.com/ Good luck! . <em>edited by Singapore Sling on 09/03/2011</em>

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