HomeMy WebLinkAbout1977 12-28 Gymnastics roll out enthusiasts - focus: Dawn Meemken THE REVIEW Maplewood Community Services gee o'8, /9' '2
Gymnastics roll out enthusiasts — focus: Dawn Meemken
by Pam Thorsen "into"gymnastics since third grade. "Confidence in yourself,"said petite for A back hand spring is the exercise Each motion is connected to the next, of energy.Their heavy applause proved
"I have a sister and brother who were her age Dawn,"is most important.You which Dawn considers the most difficult There is no separation.It's one beautiful they were as pleased with their co-
"Concentration and trust in them- interested in gymnastics and I guess I should practice balance and looking right now.She has mastered the cart- flowing motion of grace to music,"she gymnsts as they were with themselves.
selves,"are two ingredients important received a lot of encouragement from nice." wheel, front and backward rolls, leg said. Kitty Sitter,who coordinates the after-
for successful gymnasts,said 11 year old them,"she said.Gymnastics seems to How does one practice looking nice? splits, handstand back hand walk, to Students in the class listen to records school program for Maplewood Com-
Dawn Meemken,1754 E.County Rd.B. appeal to girls more than boys. The Dawn related it's simply a matter of name a few.She is teaching her two year and compose their own routine to"flow" munity Services, said the gymnastics
old mete how to do a front roll,she said. with the music. program is the largest of all the classes
Dawn shared some insight about her classes held at seven elementary schools thinking positive.
hobby—gymnastics at an after-school in District 622 have anywhere from one- offered.
program,Dec.14. third to one-fourth male enrollment ac- "You have to concentrate on what "Most anyone can do gymnastics," Dec.14 was the last class of an eight "It's great,"she said,"because all ages
The program,sponsored by Maplewood cording to Kitty Sitter of Maplewood you're doing and nothing else.I'm into Dawn said. Although Dawn makes it week session.The gymnasts had invited can participate from kindergarten
Community Services,offers opportunities Community Services. gymnastics because I enjoy it.To me— sound simple,she admits to coordinate parents to come and view what they had through sixth grade and work at their own
for interested children to"interact with it's a hobby.Some people like to read. many of the skills requires practice. mastered. Each performed an original level."
peers in a cooperative recreation setting, Dawn is an assistant as much as a Some people like to swim.For me—it's Dawn practices at home in her leotard routine to music of their choice.Although One mother at the last class per-
to freely express themselves,and to learn participant in the class.She helps Randee gymnastics,"she said. and with a mat.She has a balancing beam there were different levels of competence, formance said she was more than pleased
new skills," according to a bulletin Tasman,the instructor,"spot"the other Dawn said she would continue to pursue at home too,which her father made for the children(all ages)exhibited the same at her daughter's acceptance of the sport.
describing classes offered. children. "Spotter" take a responsible her hobby at the Saturday program of- her brother and sister some time ago, level of enthusiasm.The proud,excited, "I sent her to dancing classes for years,
Dawn, who is a sixth grader at position on either side of the gymnast to fered by Maplewood Community Ser- "It's truly a beautiful thing to watch tumbling, twirling, flipping, springing but she never loved it like this.And I know
Hazelwood Elementary,said she has been catch a fall or assist in balancing. vices. someone like Randee (the instructor). gymnasts displayed an exuberant amount she'll do well at something she enjoys."