Rhythmic Gymnastics With Ball... that is all.
August 21, 2011 5:04 AM Subscribe
The first comment is great:
There are two reasons I can't do this... A spine and gravity :(
Wow. Is it wrong to think she should be using her amazing acrobatic talents to do something other than silly rhythmic gymnastics? Apologies to rhythmic gymnastics enthusiasts. I am not sure it's considered a serious sport in the US. Ok, maybe it is, but not by many people?
posted by Glinn at 5:19 AM on August 21, 2011
There are two reasons I can't do this... A spine and gravity :(
Wow. Is it wrong to think she should be using her amazing acrobatic talents to do something other than silly rhythmic gymnastics? Apologies to rhythmic gymnastics enthusiasts. I am not sure it's considered a serious sport in the US. Ok, maybe it is, but not by many people?
posted by Glinn at 5:19 AM on August 21, 2011
Is it wrong to think she should be using her amazing acrobatic talents to do something other than silly rhythmic gymnastics?
What, regular gymnastics?
posted by LogicalDash at 5:20 AM on August 21, 2011 [1 favorite]
What, regular gymnastics?
posted by LogicalDash at 5:20 AM on August 21, 2011 [1 favorite]
Thus was born full body contact juggling.
posted by Avelwood at 5:23 AM on August 21, 2011 [5 favorites]
posted by Avelwood at 5:23 AM on August 21, 2011 [5 favorites]
Am I the only one who thought it was a bowling ball at first? Anyways, super impressive and thanks for posting this.
posted by iamkimiam at 5:31 AM on August 21, 2011 [10 favorites]
posted by iamkimiam at 5:31 AM on August 21, 2011 [10 favorites]
Is it wrong to think she should be using her amazing acrobatic talents to do something other than silly rhythmic gymnastics?
So, "your favorite band sucks" generalizes to snobbiness about gymnastics? Seriously? What sport of equally arbitrary value would you suggest she do?
posted by Philosopher Dirtbike at 5:31 AM on August 21, 2011 [22 favorites]
So, "your favorite band sucks" generalizes to snobbiness about gymnastics? Seriously? What sport of equally arbitrary value would you suggest she do?
posted by Philosopher Dirtbike at 5:31 AM on August 21, 2011 [22 favorites]
No, iamkimiam you weren't. My first thought was "That looks like a bowling ball," but clearly it isn't, because she isn't, you know, dead.
posted by valkyryn at 5:32 AM on August 21, 2011 [4 favorites]
posted by valkyryn at 5:32 AM on August 21, 2011 [4 favorites]
What, regular gymnastics?
I don't know, dance of some kind? Cirque du Soleil?
snobbiness about gymnastics?
Oh, ouch. I tried to make it sound less like that than it did. I just mean, it seems like she is really talented and not many people will see it. Well you know, except for youtube and the whole internet and things.
posted by Glinn at 5:35 AM on August 21, 2011
I don't know, dance of some kind? Cirque du Soleil?
snobbiness about gymnastics?
Oh, ouch. I tried to make it sound less like that than it did. I just mean, it seems like she is really talented and not many people will see it. Well you know, except for youtube and the whole internet and things.
posted by Glinn at 5:35 AM on August 21, 2011
I guess the uncanny valley can be entered from both sides! *shudder*
posted by Stonestock Relentless at 5:37 AM on August 21, 2011 [5 favorites]
posted by Stonestock Relentless at 5:37 AM on August 21, 2011 [5 favorites]
YOU_ALL_SHOULD_RELAX_AND_ENJOY_HER_TALENTS_WITHOUT_BEANPLATING_IT.wmv
posted by Mr.Encyclopedia at 5:45 AM on August 21, 2011 [41 favorites]
posted by Mr.Encyclopedia at 5:45 AM on August 21, 2011 [41 favorites]
What, regular gymnastics?
I don't know, dance of some kind? Cirque du Soleil?
That was my first thought, that they'd contact her at some point.
Although, we are clearly not seeing the truth here, she's a witch!! ;)
posted by usagizero at 5:48 AM on August 21, 2011 [1 favorite]
I don't know, dance of some kind? Cirque du Soleil?
That was my first thought, that they'd contact her at some point.
Although, we are clearly not seeing the truth here, she's a witch!! ;)
posted by usagizero at 5:48 AM on August 21, 2011 [1 favorite]
Is it wrong to think she should be using her amazing acrobatic talents to do something other than silly rhythmic gymnastics?
I'm imagining as an integral part of an all-star cast assembled for some kooky bank heist where precision ball and ribbon combos are necessary. For the escape, clubs!
posted by brappi at 5:49 AM on August 21, 2011 [11 favorites]
I'm imagining as an integral part of an all-star cast assembled for some kooky bank heist where precision ball and ribbon combos are necessary. For the escape, clubs!
posted by brappi at 5:49 AM on August 21, 2011 [11 favorites]
She's got a long career ahead of her wearing a black jumpsuit, speaking with a think Eastern European accent and climbing around laser beams. Possibly smoking sobranies with a holder.
posted by the noob at 5:49 AM on August 21, 2011 [6 favorites]
posted by the noob at 5:49 AM on August 21, 2011 [6 favorites]
Am I the only one who thought it was a bowling ball at first?
You mean it wasn't?
Oh. Well then. I'm not that impressed.
posted by flapjax at midnite at 5:52 AM on August 21, 2011 [6 favorites]
You mean it wasn't?
Oh. Well then. I'm not that impressed.
posted by flapjax at midnite at 5:52 AM on August 21, 2011 [6 favorites]
Wow, I see her replacing Shaobo Qin (the flexible young man of Asian descent) in the next Ocean's movie.
posted by skepticallypleased at 6:08 AM on August 21, 2011
posted by skepticallypleased at 6:08 AM on August 21, 2011
whoever sells wolfteam hack give me his number plz (in dubai)
also, the first rule of MetaFilter is that MetaFilter can think of a reason to criticize anything
posted by facetious at 6:08 AM on August 21, 2011 [8 favorites]
also, the first rule of MetaFilter is that MetaFilter can think of a reason to criticize anything
posted by facetious at 6:08 AM on August 21, 2011 [8 favorites]
Boffo!
posted by crunchland at 6:20 AM on August 21, 2011
posted by crunchland at 6:20 AM on August 21, 2011
what you don't realize is that it takes years of intensive, unremitting training to do this and in her country thousands upon thousands of young girls are being trained right now to do this - and to wield long swords
you laugh and ridicule her now - but when your town is invaded by hundreds of these bloodthirsty gymnasts, lopping off the heads of passersby to toss them up and around with unmatched skill, sending shock and awe through the hearts of all that see them, you will regret your mirth - briefly, before a flash of steel ends your pitiful existence and you become part of the spectacle
no, this is nothing like an insignificant waste of time and athletic talent - it is the DOOM OF CIVILIZATION AS WE KNOW IT!
posted by pyramid termite at 6:25 AM on August 21, 2011 [17 favorites]
you laugh and ridicule her now - but when your town is invaded by hundreds of these bloodthirsty gymnasts, lopping off the heads of passersby to toss them up and around with unmatched skill, sending shock and awe through the hearts of all that see them, you will regret your mirth - briefly, before a flash of steel ends your pitiful existence and you become part of the spectacle
no, this is nothing like an insignificant waste of time and athletic talent - it is the DOOM OF CIVILIZATION AS WE KNOW IT!
posted by pyramid termite at 6:25 AM on August 21, 2011 [17 favorites]
This post will go down in history as the FIRST TIME PYRAMID TERMITE EVER USED CAPITAL LETTERS.
and an exclamation mark, too!
posted by flapjax at midnite at 6:27 AM on August 21, 2011 [6 favorites]
and an exclamation mark, too!
posted by flapjax at midnite at 6:27 AM on August 21, 2011 [6 favorites]
You know, when I watched this I wanted SO BAD to see her doing the same routine but dressed up as a sort of Victorian-era doll with a big clock winding key on her back...
posted by dubitable at 6:41 AM on August 21, 2011 [4 favorites]
posted by dubitable at 6:41 AM on August 21, 2011 [4 favorites]
Actually funny YouTube comment: "Why are they all clapping? I'm pretty sure that is traveling."
posted by mrbula at 6:48 AM on August 21, 2011 [28 favorites]
posted by mrbula at 6:48 AM on August 21, 2011 [28 favorites]
What does it say about me that I was slightly bored half way through? I agree that this routine showcases amazing precision and agility but the end result is nothing more than a circus show. All those thousands of hours of practice and she will be doing what exactly? Are people lining up to see ball gymnastics? Can you make a living at this?
posted by Secret Life of Gravy at 6:50 AM on August 21, 2011
posted by Secret Life of Gravy at 6:50 AM on August 21, 2011
Finally, A sequel to Baseketball.
posted by hanoixan at 6:51 AM on August 21, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by hanoixan at 6:51 AM on August 21, 2011 [1 favorite]
Can you make a living at this?
Good point. She oughtta have something to fall back on. Like a bigger ball.
posted by flapjax at midnite at 6:52 AM on August 21, 2011 [4 favorites]
Good point. She oughtta have something to fall back on. Like a bigger ball.
posted by flapjax at midnite at 6:52 AM on August 21, 2011 [4 favorites]
Apologies to rhythmic gymnastics enthusiasts. I am not sure it's considered a serious sport in the US. Ok, maybe it is, but not by many people?
I used to get a lot of shit from a couple of stoner friends for loving rhythmic gymnastics until the day I sat down their high selves and made them watch ribbon videos. They still give me shit, but at least now they understand.
posted by mediareport at 6:55 AM on August 21, 2011 [2 favorites]
I used to get a lot of shit from a couple of stoner friends for loving rhythmic gymnastics until the day I sat down their high selves and made them watch ribbon videos. They still give me shit, but at least now they understand.
posted by mediareport at 6:55 AM on August 21, 2011 [2 favorites]
Her name is Boyanka Angelova. To show how difficult rhythmic gymnastics is: according to her wikipedia entry that performance, great though it was, only placed her second behind Russia's Yana Lukonina.
posted by blob at 6:58 AM on August 21, 2011 [3 favorites]
posted by blob at 6:58 AM on August 21, 2011 [3 favorites]
That was amazing. I wish I were half as bendy as her. 1/16th even.
posted by futz at 7:02 AM on August 21, 2011
posted by futz at 7:02 AM on August 21, 2011
And now, my impression of every YouTube comment for that video:
orianna lol
posted by griphus at 7:03 AM on August 21, 2011
orianna lol
posted by griphus at 7:03 AM on August 21, 2011
I want to see two dozen or so of these young ladies playing dodgeball.
posted by Mister Moofoo at 7:05 AM on August 21, 2011 [7 favorites]
posted by Mister Moofoo at 7:05 AM on August 21, 2011 [7 favorites]
I want to see two dozen or so of these young ladies playing dodgeball.
Actually, I'm thinking volleyball. That'd be badass.
posted by flapjax at midnite at 7:08 AM on August 21, 2011 [1 favorite]
Actually, I'm thinking volleyball. That'd be badass.
posted by flapjax at midnite at 7:08 AM on August 21, 2011 [1 favorite]
I wish I were half as bendy as her. 1/16th even.
You should flip through Little Girls in Pretty Boxes sometime. There's definitely a downside to the "younger females are amazingly flexible humans" element of the sport.
posted by mediareport at 7:08 AM on August 21, 2011 [2 favorites]
You should flip through Little Girls in Pretty Boxes sometime. There's definitely a downside to the "younger females are amazingly flexible humans" element of the sport.
posted by mediareport at 7:08 AM on August 21, 2011 [2 favorites]
From now on when people respond to a post I'm going to imagine that they're expressing their great enthusiasm by imitating Fonzie.
Oh youtube, you can always brighten my day by showing me something interesting, and then immediately darken it by showing me several hundred people making variations of "ball handling" jokes about a seventeen year old girl.
I got curious about those little balls they use and eventually found myself at ribbonsandballs.com. Which, wow, could be a... very different website.
posted by nanojath at 7:25 AM on August 21, 2011 [1 favorite]
Oh youtube, you can always brighten my day by showing me something interesting, and then immediately darken it by showing me several hundred people making variations of "ball handling" jokes about a seventeen year old girl.
I got curious about those little balls they use and eventually found myself at ribbonsandballs.com. Which, wow, could be a... very different website.
posted by nanojath at 7:25 AM on August 21, 2011 [1 favorite]
(meant to say when people respond to a post with a single "eh")
posted by nanojath at 7:26 AM on August 21, 2011
posted by nanojath at 7:26 AM on August 21, 2011
you laugh and ridicule her now - but when your town is invaded by hundreds of these bloodthirsty gymnasts, lopping off the heads of passersby to toss them up and around with unmatched skill, sending shock and awe through the hearts of all that see them, you will regret your mirth - briefly, before a flash of steel ends your pitiful existence and you become part of the spectacle
You mean they've finally cloned Summer Glau?
God help us all.
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 7:32 AM on August 21, 2011 [2 favorites]
You mean they've finally cloned Summer Glau?
God help us all.
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 7:32 AM on August 21, 2011 [2 favorites]
iamkimiam Am I the only one who thought it was a bowling ball at first? Anyways, super impressive and thanks for posting this.
No, and you totally robbed me of a dynamite bowling ball/gymnast joke. It had Jackie Gleason and everything. ::Sigh::
posted by jwhite1979 at 7:34 AM on August 21, 2011
No, and you totally robbed me of a dynamite bowling ball/gymnast joke. It had Jackie Gleason and everything. ::Sigh::
posted by jwhite1979 at 7:34 AM on August 21, 2011
From now on when people respond to a post I'm going to imagine that they're expressing their great enthusiasm by imitating Fonzie.
Uh... okay... East European gymnasts with only one ball have officially jumped the shark.
posted by hal9k at 7:38 AM on August 21, 2011 [1 favorite]
Uh... okay... East European gymnasts with only one ball have officially jumped the shark.
posted by hal9k at 7:38 AM on August 21, 2011 [1 favorite]
I find it weird or interesting that so many of you judge her/this activity by its apparent/alleged worth in the future. It's a fucking sport ffs. Haven't you pursued any activity or sport in your life with the singular purpose being because you love doing it? It's a giant endorphin high to do something that well. Good on her.
posted by peacay at 7:41 AM on August 21, 2011 [16 favorites]
posted by peacay at 7:41 AM on August 21, 2011 [16 favorites]
I don't know about you guys, but virtually none of the things I am good at are ever going to net me any cash. I will still do them, though. You may watch if you like.
posted by TheRedArmy at 8:01 AM on August 21, 2011 [8 favorites]
posted by TheRedArmy at 8:01 AM on August 21, 2011 [8 favorites]
I don't even.
That reminded me of Solid Potato Salad. Amazing and shudder-causing.
posted by arcticwoman at 8:22 AM on August 21, 2011 [4 favorites]
That reminded me of Solid Potato Salad. Amazing and shudder-causing.
posted by arcticwoman at 8:22 AM on August 21, 2011 [4 favorites]
And now a public service announcement on winter tires
posted by storybored at 8:29 AM on August 21, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by storybored at 8:29 AM on August 21, 2011 [2 favorites]
The amount of control she has of every muscle in her body is amazing. A minute fraction of such self-control would probably benefit some of the commenters in this thread who have probably done fuck all with their own innate abilities. Go back to surfing the web, guys.
posted by KokuRyu at 8:44 AM on August 21, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by KokuRyu at 8:44 AM on August 21, 2011 [2 favorites]
I feel terrible for her joints. Gymnastics is a stone bitch.
posted by Sternmeyer at 8:47 AM on August 21, 2011 [3 favorites]
posted by Sternmeyer at 8:47 AM on August 21, 2011 [3 favorites]
I was just thinking how similar her precision and overall skill are to high-level martial artists, and how wonderful it is to see such elegance used to portray joy and inspire awe rather than "you would get your ass kicked".
Rather sad to see that a few have derided her skills instead of enjoying them. I bet people can't make a living with it precisely because society would rather see people get their asses kicked than watch someone share bodily exuberance.
posted by fraula at 8:52 AM on August 21, 2011 [4 favorites]
Rather sad to see that a few have derided her skills instead of enjoying them. I bet people can't make a living with it precisely because society would rather see people get their asses kicked than watch someone share bodily exuberance.
posted by fraula at 8:52 AM on August 21, 2011 [4 favorites]
As a clumsy chubby person, this stuff blows me away.
I just wish people with this sort of talent could go become superheroes or something. Or at least be more famous and well-paid that Paris Hilton and Snooki. SOCIETY MUST RECOGNIZE.
posted by ELF Radio at 8:52 AM on August 21, 2011 [5 favorites]
I just wish people with this sort of talent could go become superheroes or something. Or at least be more famous and well-paid that Paris Hilton and Snooki. SOCIETY MUST RECOGNIZE.
posted by ELF Radio at 8:52 AM on August 21, 2011 [5 favorites]
And this is why, when the Olympics roll around, I have no patience for the footraces and basketball games.
posted by SMPA at 8:53 AM on August 21, 2011
posted by SMPA at 8:53 AM on August 21, 2011
Damn; Respect/Ability.
posted by Uther Bentrazor at 9:11 AM on August 21, 2011
posted by Uther Bentrazor at 9:11 AM on August 21, 2011
Holy shit that was insanely awesome. Me, I think it was a GREAT use of time and talent - but then again, I just spent six weeks of my life honing a striptease. There is an intense satisfaction on being able to do something like this, working the routine out, and going out in front of an audience and doing it.
posted by egypturnash at 9:20 AM on August 21, 2011
posted by egypturnash at 9:20 AM on August 21, 2011
I feel terrible for her joints. Gymnastics is a stone bitch.
Yeah, I want to down an handful of Aleve on her behalf. (but mostly for my own joints)
posted by elizardbits at 9:23 AM on August 21, 2011
Yeah, I want to down an handful of Aleve on her behalf. (but mostly for my own joints)
posted by elizardbits at 9:23 AM on August 21, 2011
Interesting contrast: the light-as-air, lovely and sublime performance of Ms. Angelova, and the grouchy, critical tone of much of this thread. Must everything be about profitability and exposure?
I enjoyed that thoroughly, Huplescat. Thanks for posting.
posted by kinnakeet at 9:27 AM on August 21, 2011 [3 favorites]
I enjoyed that thoroughly, Huplescat. Thanks for posting.
posted by kinnakeet at 9:27 AM on August 21, 2011 [3 favorites]
It would be awesome if they put her in a James Bond film catching one of those old-timey bombs and slinging it back.
posted by w0mbat at 9:44 AM on August 21, 2011
posted by w0mbat at 9:44 AM on August 21, 2011
Pretty cool talent she has there. As the third clumsiest dude in western Canada I can appreciate things like this because never, ever in my life I have I been even remotely graceful or well coordinated.
posted by Phlegmco(tm) at 9:49 AM on August 21, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Phlegmco(tm) at 9:49 AM on August 21, 2011 [1 favorite]
Flexibility is pretty much a requirement for the existence of humanity.
Babies are big; their passageway into the world, not so much.
I do think that's one of the reasons this is so fascinating.
posted by jamjam at 9:50 AM on August 21, 2011
Babies are big; their passageway into the world, not so much.
I do think that's one of the reasons this is so fascinating.
posted by jamjam at 9:50 AM on August 21, 2011
Rhythmic gymnastics always got a bad rap. I blame the ribbon.
posted by Sys Rq at 9:59 AM on August 21, 2011
posted by Sys Rq at 9:59 AM on August 21, 2011
It's kind of irritating that people can't watch this and appreciate her gymnastic skills without making lame sexual jokes about it (see Youtube comments). HFSF.
posted by adso at 10:57 AM on August 21, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by adso at 10:57 AM on August 21, 2011 [1 favorite]
Amazing physical accomplishment, brilliant skill, beauty and grace, massive body challenge, real danger, utterly useless for 'real world' application (!) .... hmmm ... the extreme nature of this is so similar to another artist's performance.
Yet here are so many mean comments about this young girl (and ... not so many for the bike guy). Hmmmmmm ...
posted by Surfurrus at 11:08 AM on August 21, 2011 [2 favorites]
Yet here are so many mean comments about this young girl (and ... not so many for the bike guy). Hmmmmmm ...
posted by Surfurrus at 11:08 AM on August 21, 2011 [2 favorites]
Real danger? I'm pretty sure that isn't a bowling ball.
posted by Secret Life of Gravy at 11:15 AM on August 21, 2011
posted by Secret Life of Gravy at 11:15 AM on August 21, 2011
Ya know who else only had one ball?
posted by ShutterBun at 11:27 AM on August 21, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by ShutterBun at 11:27 AM on August 21, 2011 [2 favorites]
Competitive gymnastics:Cirque du Soleil::Competitive Wrestling:WWF
Ok, the circus performers do have considerable skill in addition to showmanship, certainly more so than show wrestlers. But the idea that an athlete would be better off in show-business earning more money rather than competing at the top level of her sport does not sit well with me.
posted by Authorized User at 11:51 AM on August 21, 2011
Ok, the circus performers do have considerable skill in addition to showmanship, certainly more so than show wrestlers. But the idea that an athlete would be better off in show-business earning more money rather than competing at the top level of her sport does not sit well with me.
posted by Authorized User at 11:51 AM on August 21, 2011
arcticwoman: "I don't even.
That reminded me of Solid Potato Salad. Amazing and shudder-causing."
I had never seen nor heard of Solid Potato Salad and it is indeed Amazing and shudder-caussing -- whoa! Here is a high quality youtube of SPS, like watching the dvd.
posted by dancestoblue at 12:32 PM on August 21, 2011 [3 favorites]
That reminded me of Solid Potato Salad. Amazing and shudder-causing."
I had never seen nor heard of Solid Potato Salad and it is indeed Amazing and shudder-caussing -- whoa! Here is a high quality youtube of SPS, like watching the dvd.
posted by dancestoblue at 12:32 PM on August 21, 2011 [3 favorites]
I can't possibly be the only one who looks at this and thinks really baaaaad thoughts....
posted by victors at 12:52 PM on August 21, 2011
posted by victors at 12:52 PM on August 21, 2011
But why would a woman do anything that wasn't for the titillation or sexual gratification of men? FFS people.
posted by The Hamms Bear at 1:02 PM on August 21, 2011 [7 favorites]
posted by The Hamms Bear at 1:02 PM on August 21, 2011 [7 favorites]
can we not with the "hur hur she's bendy that's hawt"? jeezuz.
I've seen this before, and it is mindblowing. There's something about precision control of one's body that really takes my breath away. I was watching gymnastics last night with my gf, and I was remarking that it's one of the few things (other than really talented dancers) that literally gives me chills, gives me a lump in my throat. Sublime.
posted by exlotuseater at 1:32 PM on August 21, 2011 [1 favorite]
I've seen this before, and it is mindblowing. There's something about precision control of one's body that really takes my breath away. I was watching gymnastics last night with my gf, and I was remarking that it's one of the few things (other than really talented dancers) that literally gives me chills, gives me a lump in my throat. Sublime.
posted by exlotuseater at 1:32 PM on August 21, 2011 [1 favorite]
Why did I automatically assume that she was Eastern European?
posted by benito.strauss at 1:36 PM on August 21, 2011
posted by benito.strauss at 1:36 PM on August 21, 2011
So I'm curious (this is amazing stuff, I find normal gymnastics amazing enough, being clumsy myself): Do gymnastics athletes tend to suffer in later life from their exertions when young, physically? Like, every 50-year-old former gymnast is now bent-double and can't sit on a couch? I've always imagined that being a gymnast led to a lifetime of effortless flexibility and good health, but of course I've never looked into it.
posted by maxwelton at 1:49 PM on August 21, 2011
posted by maxwelton at 1:49 PM on August 21, 2011
Apart from all of the "does she not have a spine? She must not have a spine" amazement, the little things like being able to catch the ball in the curve of her ankle is pretty phenomenal.
I also can't help but love the contrast of watching this while alternating ice and heat on my lower back as the result of an oh-so-glorious and elegant bending over to clean up cat vomit injury.
posted by HonoriaGlossop at 1:52 PM on August 21, 2011 [3 favorites]
I also can't help but love the contrast of watching this while alternating ice and heat on my lower back as the result of an oh-so-glorious and elegant bending over to clean up cat vomit injury.
posted by HonoriaGlossop at 1:52 PM on August 21, 2011 [3 favorites]
...because a human in great physical shape, with beautiful, graceful movement has absolutely nothing at all, never, to do with being attractive to other humans and it makes me a leach to think it or speak of the attraction out loud -- and it therefore naturally follows that I can't see or appreciate any other aspect of such a display (or any display ever or any female endeavor) other than hot-or-not. Consider me pegged and brandished.
posted by victors at 2:28 PM on August 21, 2011
posted by victors at 2:28 PM on August 21, 2011
Do gymnastics athletes tend to suffer in later life from their exertions when young, physically?
Data point: I did gymnastics and ballet and all manner of dance (plus sports and general flinging myself about heedlessly) from a young age up through college (after which I decided that being drunk on the beach was a better plan) and my joints from the waist down are all kinds of fucking messed up - everything from feet to hips tend to snap crackle & pop at a moment's notice. I can't even imagine the horrors I will face in my 50s and 60s if my 30s are like this.
I was nowhere in the FPP'd girl's class, though. Not even close. Also maybe I'm just genetically predisposed to creakyness.
posted by elizardbits at 2:41 PM on August 21, 2011 [1 favorite]
Data point: I did gymnastics and ballet and all manner of dance (plus sports and general flinging myself about heedlessly) from a young age up through college (after which I decided that being drunk on the beach was a better plan) and my joints from the waist down are all kinds of fucking messed up - everything from feet to hips tend to snap crackle & pop at a moment's notice. I can't even imagine the horrors I will face in my 50s and 60s if my 30s are like this.
I was nowhere in the FPP'd girl's class, though. Not even close. Also maybe I'm just genetically predisposed to creakyness.
posted by elizardbits at 2:41 PM on August 21, 2011 [1 favorite]
Flapjax, I thought about volleyball, but that damn net made me change my mind; I wanna see that ball zip straight from one player to another, rather than being lobbed. The image of a girl with the ball held between her ankles just flipping over to rocket that sucker across the court invokes awe and fear.
Multiply the awe and fear when another player catches the ball with her feet.
I'm picturing Greek dodgeball, here, rather than the in-a-circle kind.
posted by Mister Moofoo at 2:57 PM on August 21, 2011
Multiply the awe and fear when another player catches the ball with her feet.
I'm picturing Greek dodgeball, here, rather than the in-a-circle kind.
posted by Mister Moofoo at 2:57 PM on August 21, 2011
ha! not sure what your point is hippybear (assuming there's one beyond the humor) but my god, how many more ways can I love Dan Savage!?
posted by victors at 3:06 PM on August 21, 2011
posted by victors at 3:06 PM on August 21, 2011
The video was neat but I loved the music. After googling a bit, it seems to be Santa Maria by Gotan Project.
posted by Memo at 3:59 PM on August 21, 2011
posted by Memo at 3:59 PM on August 21, 2011
The state of the art was perfected in 1940, y’all.
posted by mistersquid at 4:35 PM on August 21, 2011
posted by mistersquid at 4:35 PM on August 21, 2011
Hey, not everyone can take a big peg.
My understanding is that's OK as long you never admire or comment on someone else's bigger peg.
posted by victors at 5:03 PM on August 21, 2011
My understanding is that's OK as long you never admire or comment on someone else's bigger peg.
posted by victors at 5:03 PM on August 21, 2011
Every good sports post requires an obligatory training montage.
Oh, and some shots of pyramid termite's army in action.
posted by clerestory at 5:15 PM on August 21, 2011
Oh, and some shots of pyramid termite's army in action.
posted by clerestory at 5:15 PM on August 21, 2011
Oh man, the Ross Sisters. It's not just the bendiness, it's that crazy triskelion rollover thing at the end where they slam their muffs into each other's faces in a traveling sororal orgy like something out of a Penthouse Magazine parody of Plato's Symposium.
posted by nicwolff at 5:20 PM on August 21, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by nicwolff at 5:20 PM on August 21, 2011 [2 favorites]
Risk of gymnastics on joints.
My husband was a professional ballet dancer for many years and ended up with osteoarthritis. Two hip implants later, one of which had to be repeated 3 times due to complications, he can walk again without a cane. Most of the time.
But boy, could he jump when he was younger.
That said, amazing performance and my husband would be the first one to say so. If you gotta fly, you gotta fly.
posted by Marie Mon Dieu at 8:01 PM on August 21, 2011 [1 favorite]
My husband was a professional ballet dancer for many years and ended up with osteoarthritis. Two hip implants later, one of which had to be repeated 3 times due to complications, he can walk again without a cane. Most of the time.
But boy, could he jump when he was younger.
That said, amazing performance and my husband would be the first one to say so. If you gotta fly, you gotta fly.
posted by Marie Mon Dieu at 8:01 PM on August 21, 2011 [1 favorite]
mediareport, that performance you've linked is wonderful. That young woman is strong, flexible, precise and must have worked like a pit pony to hone her natural talent to that state.
But I consider that ribbon routine to be closer to dance than sport because there are probably many patterns of ribbon work that would have worked with her movements (unless I'm missing some required sequence of patterns that competitors must use in their routine). The FPP link really blew me away, because in addition to the strength, grace and flexibility she displayed throughout, that woman had to throw and catch the damn ball accurately every single time.
posted by maudlin at 8:24 PM on August 21, 2011
But I consider that ribbon routine to be closer to dance than sport because there are probably many patterns of ribbon work that would have worked with her movements (unless I'm missing some required sequence of patterns that competitors must use in their routine). The FPP link really blew me away, because in addition to the strength, grace and flexibility she displayed throughout, that woman had to throw and catch the damn ball accurately every single time.
posted by maudlin at 8:24 PM on August 21, 2011
...because a human in great physical shape, with beautiful, graceful movement has absolutely nothing at all, never, to do with being attractive to other humans and it makes me a leach to think it or speak of the attraction out loud -- and it therefore naturally follows that I can't see or appreciate any other aspect of such a display (or any display ever or any female endeavor) other than hot-or-not. Consider me pegged and brandished.
victors: Fair enough, but you didn't say any of that. You made one comment that reduced and distilled it down to hot-or-not.
As an aside, I wasn't specifically targeting you, rather anyone who was going to continue said sophomoric reductions.
posted by exlotuseater at 9:32 PM on August 21, 2011
victors: Fair enough, but you didn't say any of that. You made one comment that reduced and distilled it down to hot-or-not.
As an aside, I wasn't specifically targeting you, rather anyone who was going to continue said sophomoric reductions.
posted by exlotuseater at 9:32 PM on August 21, 2011
heh, you know, if celebrating the anecdotal observation that being strong and flexible makes for a better experience during sex* makes me sophomoric then hail sophomorics and I'm guilty as charged.
As an aside, I wasn't specifically targeting you, rather anyone would was going to continue making huge sweeping personal moral-high-ground judgments (through, er, reductionist distillation) that assumes and ascribes the absolute worst in human interaction based on one off the cuff remark.
*natch we're talking about having the most fun possible with your one and only true love
posted by victors at 11:12 PM on August 21, 2011
As an aside, I wasn't specifically targeting you, rather anyone would was going to continue making huge sweeping personal moral-high-ground judgments (through, er, reductionist distillation) that assumes and ascribes the absolute worst in human interaction based on one off the cuff remark.
*natch we're talking about having the most fun possible with your one and only true love
posted by victors at 11:12 PM on August 21, 2011
She should be in Cirque du Soleil. Those were some pretty awesome acrobatics.
posted by emh360 at 12:22 AM on August 22, 2011
posted by emh360 at 12:22 AM on August 22, 2011
heh, you know, if celebrating the anecdotal observation that being strong and flexible makes for a better experience during sex* makes me sophomoric then hail sophomorics and I'm guilty as charged.
victors,
On a very late night "alternative" tv talk show in the UK I happened to see, the main interview was with a very pretty gymnast turned erotic gymnast stripper.
So she did her stuff (topless) making the sort of moves we are all familiar with from Olympic floor routines -but in a cheerfully lascivious fashion - rubbing herself a bit and making porny faces.
She was then interviewed.
She said that yes, she'd been a competitive gymnast as a kid - but realized she was never going to be top tier blah blah and had eventually come up with this act - and did very well.
When she was asked by the interviewer about her flexibility and how it translates into sex, her answer was (to summarize): Oh god, every boyfriend I've ever had gets ideas about that - and yeah, I'll do what he likes once or twice.
But honestly, the best positions are the ones everyone can do. And I get much more pleasure from the standard ones too. She said - on balance - she preferred standing sex, and also quite liked it backwards.
(I was surprised, but she seemed perfectly sincere & straightforward in her answers, fwiw)
posted by Jody Tresidder at 7:02 AM on August 22, 2011 [6 favorites]
victors,
On a very late night "alternative" tv talk show in the UK I happened to see, the main interview was with a very pretty gymnast turned erotic gymnast stripper.
So she did her stuff (topless) making the sort of moves we are all familiar with from Olympic floor routines -but in a cheerfully lascivious fashion - rubbing herself a bit and making porny faces.
She was then interviewed.
She said that yes, she'd been a competitive gymnast as a kid - but realized she was never going to be top tier blah blah and had eventually come up with this act - and did very well.
When she was asked by the interviewer about her flexibility and how it translates into sex, her answer was (to summarize): Oh god, every boyfriend I've ever had gets ideas about that - and yeah, I'll do what he likes once or twice.
But honestly, the best positions are the ones everyone can do. And I get much more pleasure from the standard ones too. She said - on balance - she preferred standing sex, and also quite liked it backwards.
(I was surprised, but she seemed perfectly sincere & straightforward in her answers, fwiw)
posted by Jody Tresidder at 7:02 AM on August 22, 2011 [6 favorites]
Actually, I'm thinking volleyball. That'd be badass.
The sport you are describing exists, has its own FPP and is in fact made entirely of awesome. Say hello to Sepak Takraw.
posted by The Bellman at 7:22 AM on August 22, 2011
The sport you are describing exists, has its own FPP and is in fact made entirely of awesome. Say hello to Sepak Takraw.
posted by The Bellman at 7:22 AM on August 22, 2011
The reason I still follow MetaFilter is that, once in a long while, it will introduce me to a new concept that is utterly, awesomely, mind-blowingly wonderful. "Erotic gymnast stripper" is one such concept.
posted by Crabby Appleton at 8:37 AM on August 22, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Crabby Appleton at 8:37 AM on August 22, 2011 [1 favorite]
She's a great example of how a lot of practice can make something quite difficult look completely effortless. Like a couple of times, she throws the ball up and catches it offhandedly behind her back with her ankles or something, and because she's doing everything else so fluidly, you don't appreciate that what you just saw would be borderline impossible for any regular person.
And then, finally, your mind is waving you down going "Dude! Did you see that?! That was fucking awesome!"
Very cool.
posted by quin at 9:33 AM on August 22, 2011
And then, finally, your mind is waving you down going "Dude! Did you see that?! That was fucking awesome!"
Very cool.
posted by quin at 9:33 AM on August 22, 2011
^^ yeah all that.
It was really beautiful and amazing, in a made-my-day kind of way. And I don't even really like gymnastics. That was just a fantastic demonstration of what happens when someone works really hard at something and has it pay off.
posted by Kimberly at 10:31 AM on August 22, 2011
It was really beautiful and amazing, in a made-my-day kind of way. And I don't even really like gymnastics. That was just a fantastic demonstration of what happens when someone works really hard at something and has it pay off.
posted by Kimberly at 10:31 AM on August 22, 2011
(I was surprised, but she seemed perfectly sincere & straightforward in her answers, fwiw)
I guess it's not that surprising considering how personal (shape, size, position, etc.) this all is - I can see where the difference between flexible and crazy insane flexible is a distraction for her, especially since for her, it's just bringing the work home - kinda kills the fun. For sure: there wouldn't be much left of our species if those poses were required (!)
posted by victors at 10:42 AM on August 22, 2011
I guess it's not that surprising considering how personal (shape, size, position, etc.) this all is - I can see where the difference between flexible and crazy insane flexible is a distraction for her, especially since for her, it's just bringing the work home - kinda kills the fun. For sure: there wouldn't be much left of our species if those poses were required (!)
posted by victors at 10:42 AM on August 22, 2011
The rare youtube comment that is actually pretty spot on:
And despite being a god damn Jedi, this girl will never be as wealthy or famous as Rebecca Black.
posted by Lutoslawski at 11:01 AM on August 22, 2011 [1 favorite]
And despite being a god damn Jedi, this girl will never be as wealthy or famous as Rebecca Black.
posted by Lutoslawski at 11:01 AM on August 22, 2011 [1 favorite]
I don't know, maybe if she becomes an Erotic Gymnast Stripper...
The concept is great, but the name needs work. How about Gymnastic Ecdysiast?
posted by Crabby Appleton at 2:18 PM on August 22, 2011
The concept is great, but the name needs work. How about Gymnastic Ecdysiast?
posted by Crabby Appleton at 2:18 PM on August 22, 2011
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posted by Joe in Australia at 5:14 AM on August 21, 2011