Leapin' Lizards! Tiverton Summer Gymnastics Program Closes With Colorful Production [VIDEO]

They were literally flipping head over heels Wednesday night in the steamy gymnasium.

The Summer Gymnastics Camp sponsored by the Tiverton Recreation Department concluded its 2011 run in impressive fashion with colorful, artistic and creative efforts demonstrating the expanding athletic skills of its participants. Approximately 60 boys and girls of ages 4 ½ to 12 years participated in the 90-minute program which attracted an estimated 200 spectators, all of whom tolerated the non-air-conditioned conditions as best as they could and loudly applauded the exploits of the youthful tumblers, leapers, vaulters, dismounters and dancers.

The Summer Gymnastics Camp, a six-week program, was directed for the fourth successive year by Katie Bettez, who choreographed Wednesday’s production with help from assistants Jessica Goncalo, Melanie Janeiro, Bailey Todd, Brittany Vasconcelos, Megan Arruda and Mikaela Gilstrap.

“We have had only six weeks to put this program together and the kids have worked very hard in preparation for tonight,” Bettez said to the audience prior to the start of Wednesday’s program. “I know you will enjoy it.”

Bettez combined geography, culture and the Olympics to produce a program Wednesday which highlighted different nations and customs, offering a taste of international cooperation and harmony. The program mixed gymnastics with dance techniques, enabling participants to illustrate multiple skills they have learned this summer.

The program started with an Olympics-style opening ceremony, as six different groups (assorted by age) attired in colorful togs and representing different countries marched into the gymnasium to the Olympic theme and “We Are the World.” The opening ceremonies concluded with a light show as the Olympic torch was symbolically lit.

The first half of the program featured an exhibition of Indian culture (“J’ai Ho”), Greek culture (“Iekina MiaPsarabailla”) and Russian culture (“A Rumor in St. Petersburg”), with music from France (“Stereo Love”), Jamaica (“Don’t Worry, Be Happy”) and South Africa (“The Lioness Hunt”). While various age groups performed combination dance and gymnastics routines, others executed an exciting array of gymnastics maneuvers on individual pieces of equipment.

Apparatus used during Wednesday’s program (either owned by the Tiverton Recreation Department or donated by others) included uneven bars, horse, mini-trampoline, balance beams and mats.

Following a brief intermission and fundraising raffle, the second half of the program proceeded similarly, with exhibitions of Jamaican culture (“Wind It Up”), South African culture (“WakaWaka”) and French culture (“You Promised Me”) along with music from Greece (“Keri in Katavia”), India (“Beware of the Boys”) and Russia (“Rasputin”).

The program concluded with tributes to the United States, a medal ceremony and playing of the Star-Spangled Banner.

Bettez thanked several people for their contributions to Wednesday’s program, including Olivia Gramolini (who tie-dyed costumes), Bob Martin (who repaired equipment) and Eileen Kinnane (“for her valuable assistance all summer”). Bettez also expressed gratitude to the custodial staff of the Tiverton Middle School “for their support and patience.”

According to Bettez, the Summer Gymnastics Camp was operated five days weekly (Mondays through Fridays) from 9 a.m. to noon during its six-week stint in the Tiverton Middle School gymnasium.

Download the movie

Download the movie