ATA Gymnastics Newsletter                           April 2018

April is Handstand Month

B ryan Allen, pictured to the left, competed on ATA's competitive team &was a member of Acro Army, the acrobatic group that won third place on America's Got Talent in 2014. Bryan was a pro at handstands...as you can see by his superb form and balance in this one arm handstand. While this skill is extremely advanced, the basic handstand is something that students of all ages and abilities can learn.

As a foundational skill in gymnastics, the correct technique is critical because it carries over into the higher level skills. Performing an ideal handstand requires a great deal of balance, strength & body control.

Although all ATA classes include handstand practice, there is going to be a stronger emphasis on this skill during the month of April. Depending on the level, students will work on a variety of drills and skills that will help to perfect and build upon the all-important handstand!
Gymster Gymnastics

April Theme
Join us in April to celebrate your Gym"star" student's accomplishments. During the weeks of April 11th-21st students will really SHINE during class by practicing gymnastics skills that get a perfect "score" and performing them for their classmates during Achievement week. The week of April   18th-21st , all Gymster students will perform their favorite skill and receive a special ribbon commemorating their achievements.


Gymster Graduation
Gymster students who will be going to TK or Kinder in the fall will graduate from the preschool gymnastics program in May. Please contact the front desk to plan your student's move to the recreational program in the afternoon. Congratulations graduates!
 
Skill of the Month: Handstand
Being upside down boosts arm and shoulder strength, forces core muscle stabilization, builds balance, increases circulation to the upper body and more. Not to mention going upside down is just plain FUN!
Gymster students practice assisted and free standing handstands as well as "shape" development drills during class each week.

Developmental Minute:
Courage. Gymnastics can be a scary sport. It is when we face something that pushes us out of our comfort zone that we have the opportunity to develop courage. It takes courage to perform gymnastics skills in front of an audience. Courage is not only being brave when we fear something but it is also a trait we can call upon when we have to do something that we do not wish to do, like chores or homework, all things that preschooler will be learning to cope with in the not too distant future.  
 

Sizzlin' Summer Fun at ATA!
 
Looking for summer activities for your child/ren??? Look no further...ATA has the perfect solution with fabulous events!  Our facility is Air Conditioned!  Check out our website or pick up a Summer Activities flyer at the front desk. Sign up today!!!  

Once Upon a Time Spring Show
 


Congratulations to everyone who participated in last month's Once Upon a Time Spring Show! It was an entertaining night of magical performances by our recreational and team athletes, as well as an entertaining finale by our coaches!




Acrobatic Gymnastics Team

It's been another busy month for Team ATA!  Athletes have had the challenge of two meets this month as they work through the qualifying process towards advancing to State Championships.  Athletes from our Novice and Elite teams competed at West Coast Training Center earlier in the month where pairs and groups took home many medals and qualifying scores. 

      

Al l of Team ATA's athletes shined brightly at our 23rd annual ATA Silicon Valley Classic this past weekend!  Not only did they compete with great success, but they also had opportunities to perform at our Annual Spring Celebration Show!  Wonderful and engaging group routines for our Novice through Advanced Teams really sparkled with the fun and whimsy of the Once Upon a Time theme.  The audience was certainly "wowed" watching our international track athletes perform individual group routines for the show!

 
Next stop, Belgium, for ATA's Junior Elite women's group, Taylor Witana, Samantha Servellon and Neena Deshpande.  Click here for details on World Championships!  and Here for the livestream schedule.



They will represent the USA and Team ATA at the World Age Group Championships in Antwerp April 6-10.  We are looking forward to cheering them on and hearing about their experience competing alongside the best of the best in the World.  Good Luck Girls!!

April's Safety Tip:
Keeping hydrated is always important. As warmer weather approaches, it is even more critical that your child drinks plenty of water throughout the day. Purchase a reusable water bottle in your child's favorite color/design and encourage them to take it everywhere...school, gymnastics, park, pool, etc. Encourage them to drink and refill it as often as possible.
Have a Great Day! 

"Life needs balance.  Life needs strength.  Start with gymnastics and go anywhere"

 

Sincerely,

 

Aerial Tumbling and AcroGymnastics

408-224-5437


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