Why Can’t Gymnasts Dance? Rethinking Artistry in Gymnastics

Have you ever watched a gymnastics routine and wondered why so many gymnasts seem stiff or awkward when it comes to dance? As someone who lives in both worlds of gymnastics and dance, I get asked constantly, “Why can’t gymnasts dance?” It's also a question that shows up everywhere online, and honestly, it is one of the main reasons that inspired my business.

Here is what I see as a compulsory coach: there is a huge disconnect. We talk about wanting gymnasts to show real artistry on floor, not just the kind that looks pretty, but the kind that actually feels like a performance. Yet, I am teaching my Level 4s to move in tight, rigid ways because that is what the routines demand. When I choreograph optional routines, the majority of the time I get one style to work with, sharp and tight. That works for beam, but on the floor, it does not leave much room for creativity or movement diversity.

The truth is, we are missing the mark on dance and artistry in gymnastics. If we want optional and elite gymnasts to show more artistry, we have to start with the compulsory routines. Right now, those routines mostly reinforce being tight and precise. And I get it; it makes sense because gymnasts spend most of their time being told to stay tight, so their skills stay clean and safe. The simplest solution has been to create routines that promote sharp, precise movement. But if we want gymnasts who can be both precise and fluid, we need to make some changes.

First, we have to bring in dance training that teaches movement diversity, not just more rigidity. Most gyms lean on ballet to create grace, which is great for posture and lines, but ballet takes years to master. A lot of coaches do not feel confident teaching it, or they do not have time to fit it in. Even when dance professionals come in, they often do not fully understand what gymnasts need. There are better ways to teach posture and lines that actually fit a gymnastics setting and feel more doable for coaches. For example, Pilates-based movement and Progressing Ballet Technique teach good posture and lines, but also build strength that helps on all four events. Artistry and dance training should not be an afterthought. We need to show coaches how movement mastery helps on beam, floor, and everywhere else.

I also believe compulsory floor routines and dance training should be rooted in actual dance genres, such as modern and jazz. These styles teach posture and lines, but they also add things like spinal articulation, isolations, and swings. These movements contrast with traditional gymnastics and give athletes a better feel for their bodies. Plus, these styles are more in line with how gymnasts already train, so it is less of a stretch to add them in.

The reality is, dance often gets treated like filler in gymnastics because most gymnasts are not natural dancers, and that is okay. But the current routines and culture actually reinforce this problem. I believe there is a better way. Imagine a world where gymnasts move with breath and awareness, not just tightness and squeezing. That kind of movement leads to deeper body awareness, better isolation, and healthier habits. Creating training and routines that blend gymnastics artistry with real dance artistry is a big challenge, but it is absolutely possible. And it has to start somewhere.

Ready to help your gymnasts move beyond “tight” and into true artistry?

Let’s start a conversation. Comment below with your thoughts, share your own experiences, or reach out if you want tips on bringing more dance into your gym. The journey to better artistry starts with one small step!