Sport / Sparkling celebration marks 20 years of Shetland Gymnastics Club
SHETLAND Gymnastics Club celebrated its 20th anniversary with a sparkling display for the public on Saturday.
A morning and afternoon show, with teas in the multi-use at Clickimin, meant the building was alive with squealing children and happy parents and grandparents who had turned out to watch the young members showcase their skills.
The theme of the event was routines that had been performed by the club over the last 20 years, bringing back some favourites to show them one more time.
The club started in September 2005 following the successful Island Games held in Shetland, starting with 30 gymnasts training one hour a week.
It has grown now to 180 gymnasts a week, plus a waiting list of over 350 young people.
The show opened with one of the club’s recent Island Games gymnasts, Kali Mackenzie-Thomson, performing her games floor routine inspired by Britney Spears.
The first group routine was based on the film St Trinians, which is about an all-girls school where the students are wild, clever and full of mischief.
This was performed by the club’s display squad, having been first showcased at the 2012 display, and the gymnasts ranged in age from eight to 16.
Following this came the club’s youngest gymnasts, who train one hour a week.
They performed a routine first seen in 2012 based on the cartoon Animaniacs, which brought the crazy spirit of the TV programme to life.
There was then another Island Games floor routine performed by Julia Strachanowska, with a more powerful, dramatic energy.
Next were the mini development group with a performance from the musical Annie, first performed by the club in 2008.
This was followed by Island Games gymnast Merin Smith performing an Abba-inspired floor, suiting the performer’s style and grace.
The boys’ group in the club showcased skills they have been working on over the past few months, putting it to some high energy Lava Chicken music.
A favourite of everyone was up next. The Great Gatsby-inspired routine was first performed by the display squad in Glasgow at Sapphire Gym Club’s 12th birthday festival in 2024, and won first place in the best newcomer category.
The Great Gatsby is set in the dazzling 1920s – a time of jazz, glamour and unforgettable parties – and this routine brings the roaring 20s to life with lively moves and sparkling style.
The celebrations were slowed down a bit for an Alice Through the Looking Glass routine from the competitive class girls, first performed back in 2017.
This routine captured the imagination, mystery and fun of Alice’s journey – where nothing is quite as it seems.
Next up was the youngest two Island Games gymnasts, who were both 13 when they competed in Orkney in July.
Lori Nicolson and Oliwia Strachnaowska both have fun floor routines but in completely different styles.
Monday’s 4.30pm gymnastics class then brought back a routine the club had taken to Gymfest in 2012, based on The Jungle Book.
The final routine was brand new and created by Sophie Grant just for the 20th anniversary, inspired by the movie Barbie.
Barbie is all about confidence, creativity and being anything you want to be, and this routine celebrated friendship, fun and fabulous style.
Shetland Gymnastics Club coach Julie Grant said it was “amazing” to see all the club’s member altogether in one place, as this only happens at big events like these.
The club also had to say goodbye to four gymnasts who are leaving to attend university, and the club wished them good luck.
They thanked all the gymnasts, as well as their parents/guardians for allowing them to work with their children, for helping come up with costumes and for making home bakes.
The club also thanked its committee for taking charge of the teas and raffle tables, the coaches for working so well together, and photographer Kevin Jones for taking photos on the day.
Final thanks went to Jonathan Kerr for filming the event, Tesco – especially Derry Meredith – for its kind donations and Shetland Recreational Trust for being patient with all the club’s requests before the event and on the day.
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