CHANGING THE CULTURE OF GYMNASTICS

Gymnastics – barked orders and harsh criticism is what many kids experience, especially those on competitive teams.  Many coaches think that’s what’s needed in order to teach discipline in the sport and win at competition.

Dreamflight® Theatrical Gymnastics, Incorporated, a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Academy in Saint Peters, follows a different philosophy – the gymnasts, the joy of the sport, and the lessons learned thereof, come first.  The contrasts abound:

“No one should ever have to tell their child, ‘sorry, you can’t do gymnastics, because we can’t afford it.’” says Head Coach Matthew Morrese.  Gymnastics doesn’t have to be as expensive as other places make it.  At Dreamflight®, class rates for recreation and team are affordable; many additional charges parents are confronted with at other gyms are simply nonexistent.  For example, line items on team like Music Mixing, Floor Choreography and “Coach’s Fees” for Meets are not charged.

Head Coach Matthew also says, “The moment you yell at a kid, the kid’s no longer listening.  That ‘old school’ philosophy isn’t healthy for most.”  At Dreamflight®, the coach communicates with respect, and doesn’t treat the gymnast as another robot needing to be programmed and perfected.  And while winning trophies is wonderful, a gymnast’s pride in her performance is far more important.  The most influential competition she will ever have is the one she has within herself.

Within that self is an individual, and at Dreamflight® that individual is accepted – her likes, her dislikes, her motivations, her fears, and the gym supports their lives and interests outside of gymnastics.  This philosophy works – see their reviews, their socials, and the Head Coach’s experience in utilizing this method in California before returning to St. Louis.

Lastly, the contrast doesn’t end at the philosophy. Dreamflight’s® academy is just that – an academy.  It also has classes for those interested in Acting, Writing, and Dance!  Twice a year, Dreamflight® produces a theatrical recital uniting all of its divisions into one unique Theatrical Gymnastics performance.