What is Artistry Anyway?

This past summer, the FIG Men's Technical Committee (MTC) published new rules regarding artistry in men's gymnastics that sparked many questions, such as: What is the point of these new rules and requirements? How are they to be employed? And ultimately, what is artistry anyway?

MTC Newsletter #1 gives us a glimpse into the purpose:

The newsletter also gives three specific requirements to develop more artistic floor routines:

1. Routines must contain an artistic element from a list of 12 specific elements (-0.3 neutral deduction if missing)

2. Gymnasts must perform different transitions in each corner between tumbling passes or incur a -0.3 neutral deduction. (Effective January 2026)

3. Simple steps or choreographic movements that lack amplitude or extension will receive a -0.1 deduction each time for "lack of artistry."

The first two points are somewhat specific and clear. However, the third point is a bit more ambiguous, leaving room for interpretation, which is what I would like to focus on.

While Newsletter #1 included video examples, it did not clearly define what is meant by "artistry," aside from mentioning "amplitude and appropriate extension." It seems that they might think artistry is something that can be recognized intuitively, as in "you know it when you see it." However, given that a gymnast can now potentially receive a deduction for "lack of artistry" each time it occurs, we should take some time to consider what artistry truly entails.

While this is an unofficial interpretation, I believe it aligns with what has been said thus far and is in the spirit of what I think is the intention behind these rules.

Before we can look into artistry, let's first define what "art" is.

I am fortunate to have two passions that I have turned into careers. One is obviously gymnastics, and the other is music. In fact, my undergraduate degree was in music, and I still occasionally perform. It is through the musician's lens that my philosophy of the arts has evolved.

There are generally four components people take into account when considering what is "art":

• Personal Taste

• Intentional Expression

• Cultural Influences

• Context matters

PERSONAL TASTE

Everyone has their own opinion on what constitutes "art," but to me, art is an expression of life through a specific medium, such as painting, sculpture, music, dance, or even sports like gymnastics. Art conveys ideas, messages, or feelings—whether they represent emotions, experiences, or stories. It can cover a wide range of emotions, often expressing what words cannot fully capture.

We can have differing opinions on what defines "art." What one person considers "music," another might perceive as "noise." Some artists have challenged conventional ideas of art. Notable painters like Picasso, Warhol, and Duchamp are renowned for pushing the boundaries of what is considered art.

Art is often created when an artist has a deep feeling or idea they want to convey. However, great art that endures over time does so because it resonates with the observer, evoking meaning or offering some benefit to them.

INTENTIONAL EXPRESSION

I used to tell my music students that we could have different opinions about what constitutes "music," but what matters more is if the sound is "musical." Is there a purpose or intention behind the expression? In music, musical elements can transform ordinary sounds or noise, giving them more meaning and making them musical. These elements include melody, harmony, intonation, dynamics, articulation, rhythm, and tempo variations, to name a few. Similarly, in gymnastics, artistic elements could include clean lines, extension, precise movements (which can be smooth or sharp), good posture, and attention to detail in hand, foot, and head positions. Gymnasts can express artistry by showing virtuosity and performing movements to the utmost degree (e.g., kicking out early and making it look effortless). However, we shouldn't limit ourselves. Several other elements of movement can be used to express artistry, such as:

• Form

• Body position

• Planes of movement

• Use of space

• Rhythm

• Tempo

• Balance

• Agility

• Amplitude

• Power

• Demonstrating ease of movement

Manipulating any of these elements can result in unique performances that exude flair, style, creativity, presence, and confidence. While it is not necessary to manipulate all of these elements to demonstrate "artistry", manipulating at least one of them can transform an ordinary movement and put it on the path to artistic expression. Gymnasts can choose which elements to manipulate based on what they want to evoke or express. Do they want to be seen as powerful, energetic, smooth, precise, dynamic, elegant, stylish, or something else?

Note that none of the points on my list say anything about dance, nor are they limited to floor exercise. Artistry and artistic movements should transfer across all apparatus. After all, the sport is called "Men's Artistic Gymnastics", not "Men's Artistic Floor Exercise and Five Other Apparatus".

Simply performing leaps, jumps, and turns does not constitute artistry. The MTC did not stop at adding an 'artistic element' to floor exercise; they also insisted on variety of movement in the corners and specified that the movements had to be artistic. Keep in mind that the gymnasts don’t need to do elaborate or overly complicated movements in every corner; even simple movements can be artistic.

Artistry goes beyond what you do; it is how you do it.

CULTURAL INFLUENCES

Every culture has its own style of art. In music, Asian cultures often employ quarter tones, which can sound dissonant to Western ears. Central and South American music has great rhythmic variety. Dance styles are vastly different between Europe and Africa.

Gymnastics is an international sport. As such, there will be differences in what movements different people around the world will consider to be art, but there should be some agreement to recognize and respect movement performed with intentional artistic expression, even if it is foreign to your own personal culture.

CONTEXT MATTERS

Gymnasts need to work within the confines of gymnastic technique. Superfluous movement that interferes with technique is undesirable. Instead, movements that accentuate and amplify technique can be artistic and produce excellent gymnastics.  True artistry will express ease of movement while maintaining strong gymnastics technique.

Background music in films needs to fit the scene. Similarly, graffiti art is not usually framed and hung on a wall; it is appreciated in the context for which it was intended. In fact, the frame you put a work of art in can either enhance or detract from its impact. Improvisation has its place, but not usually in a concert hall with an orchestra, just as classical music would not go down well in a nightclub. Cross-over art can, of course, occur, but it takes intention and mastery to pull it off. As a gymnast ventures into the world of artistry, they should keep in mind the context in which their performance will take place and consider whether their actions will detract from their technique.

As gymnastics is a judged, artistic sport, gymnasts should consider their audience when choreographing their routines. Is their creativity intended for the audience in the arena, their fans, the media, their coaches, the judges, or themselves? Just as a gymnast does not need to incorporate multiple artistic movement elements to demonstrate artistry, they do not need to appeal to all of the above. However, having a specific audience in mind can provide direction for the artistry. I would equate a championship competition with a concert hall or museum — the gymnast should present a finished and polished performance.

Having an open mind about artistry does not mean a free-for-all. Not everyone can pull off pushing the boundaries. One must demonstrate a degree of mastery before they can convincingly push the boundaries of artistic style; otherwise, it just comes across as gimmicky. Don't get me wrong, humor also has its place in artistic expression, but as any stand-up comedian will tell you, comedy is not easy to effectively portray, particularly in contexts where it is not the norm.

Movements that break the norms are expressive because there are norms for them to break. Intentionally flexed feet only make a statement in contrast to pointed feet. However, if everything is flexed, it loses its potency and meaning. For some gymnasts, it might be wise to keep in mind the demographic of the judges scoring you as part of the audience you are playing to.  

The women's code has a comprehensive 'artistry checklist' that specifically defines and limits what meets their definition of 'artistic'. Personally, I am happy that the MTC did not follow suit to specify a list of criteria for what is considered "artistic". I hope that judges will keep an open mind about how artistry can manifest itself, even if it differs from what they are accustomed to culturally. Similarly, I hope that coaches and gymnasts will be bold enough to express themselves through gymnastics in ways that broaden people's understanding of artistry.

How do you define artistry?

How do you think artistry should manifest itself in Men's Gymnastics, or is it even necessary at all?

Share your thoughts in the comments or through a message below!

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If this article reflects a philosophy of artistry you want to share with your gymnasts, I am available for workshops.