Historical and analytical approach to the development of rhythmic gymnastics in Russia

Statement of the problem. In the legislation of the Russian Federation, physical culture and sport are prescribed as the most important components of the integral development of the individual. Physical culture and sports are represented by a set of achievements in improving health and forming a healthy lifestyle of the Russian population. Despite the fact that rhythmic gymnastics is a relatively young sport, it should be a physical culture and sports practice for the creative development of the values of sports, and actively used for the comprehensive development of the Russian population. Its means and methods should serve to improve the sports skills of Russian gymnasts to represent them on the international stage, self-improvement, improve performance, increase the body’s resistance to adverse environmental influences, reduce the incidence of diseases in order to preserve the country’s gene pool. The purpose of the article is to consider the development of rhythmic gymnastics in Russia from the point of view of a historical and analytical approach; on the basis of the identified gymnastic systems of the late 19th - early 20th centuries, to form criteria for modern rhythmic gymnastics that improve the athletic skills of gymnasts. Methodology (materials and methods). A review of the scientific literature has shown that the study of the development of rhythmic gymnastics based on a historical and analytical approach is an empirical component for identifying and establishing general historical patterns. Historical phenomena are analyzed on the basis of a logical method of study. The principle of concrete historical research involves the study of the meaningful history of the subject under study in specific empirical manifestations. And the abstract-historical principle reveals historical regularity, without referring to the empirical history itself. The abstract-historical principle reconstructs the selected regularity on the basis of theoretical assumptions. The knowledge gained in the course of studying the past indicates the independent value of information. The historical-analytical approach is based on the “principle of historicism”. In a broad sense, this principle means the need to consider the phenomenon under study in its present state from the perspective of the past, determining the continuity between historical forms. Research results. Within the framework of the historical and analytical approach, the main criteria in modern rhythmic gymnastics are formed, which will serve to improve the sports skills of gymnasts. Conclusions. The formed main criteria of modern rhythmic gymnastics, identified on the basis of gymnastic systems of the late 19th - early 20th centuries, included: technical and artistic performance of compositions. The first reflects the technical and aesthetic characteristics of gymnastic elements and combinations, which include technical and aesthetic characteristics-posture, leg inversion, accuracy of movement, lightness, completeness, unity. The second reveals the ability of gymnasts to create an artistic image, convey feelings and mood through expressive gestures and facial expressions, musicality and dance.