In the beginning, Rhythmic Gymnastics grew out of the Swedisch system of free exercises that was developped in 1814 by Peter Henry Ling. He created aestetic gymnastics, where gymnasts used body movement to expres their thoughts and feelings.
In 1880 Emil Dakroze of Switserland created Eurhyhtmics. This was a physical training
for both musicians and dancers.
George Demeny of France developped exercises on music to promote grace of movement,
muscular flexibility and good posture.
All these strains were combined in 1990 in the Swedisch school of Rhythmic Gymnastics.
Later there were added more dance elements from Finland.
Ernest Idla from Estonia created a degree of difficulty for each movement.
After the World War II scoring methods were developped to create a competitive form of
Rhythmic Gymnastics.
The sport was recognized by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) in 1962.
The first World Championships were held in 1963 in Budapest. Ten European countries took part in it.
In 1984 the individual competition of Rhythmic Gymnastics was added to the Olympic Games,
but only the All Around competition. In Atlanta 1996 for the first time a group competition
was held.