Recreational Gymnastics

 Parent & Tot

Ages:  18 months to 36 months

Why Choose Gymnastics for Your Toddler?

• Gymnastics is an ideal activity for all preschoolers as it helps develop gross motor skills, spatial awareness, coordination, strength, power, flexibility and creativity. 
• Ortona’s gymnastics programs offer these young gymnasts a chance to stretch, jump, run and roll in a safe, welcoming and educational environment.
• Each Parent and Tot class is age specific, guaranteeing that the exercises are best suited for your child’s needs and that no child is left out.
• Our Parent and Tot programs allow you to accompany your child in each program’s activities. Being with your child helps them to feel more comfortable and safe, making it easier for the toddlers to learn and explore.
• These classes are a perfect way to spend some quality time with your children. It’s always fulfilling to be able to see them laugh, grow and have fun.

Sun Rays - LTAD 1/LTAD 8

18 months to 24 months:

• This 45-minute class is tailored to children aged 18–24 months and offers an introduction to basic gymnastics movements such as rolls, jumps, hangs and slides. Additionally, children will be introduced to gymnastics apparatuses such as the bars, rings and balance beams, just to name a few. Then at the end of the course, each child receives a certificate to reward their hard work.

• Throughout the program children will develop strength, flexibility, motor skills, sensory understanding and social skills through interaction with others.

• By introducing them to activity at a young age, these children have a head start in building a foundation for life long health and wellness. A parent or guardian is required to assist the child during each class.

  To register for this program, click HERE!

Star Lights - LTAD 1/LTAD 8

24 months to 36 months:

• This 45 minutes class is for children 24 months to 36  months. Similar to the 18 months to 24 months program, children are introduced to  basic gymnastics movements, like rolls, jumps and hangs, and different gymnastics apparatuses such as the bars, rings and balance beam. At this age children tend to be rambunctious, so each class offers plenty of activities to constructively use up that energy.

• At the end of the program, each child receives a certificate for all their hard work. Throughout the program children will develop strength, flexibility, motor skills, sensory understanding and social skills through interaction with others.

• By introducing them to activity at a young age, these children have a head start in building a foundation for life long health and wellness. A parent or guardian is required to assist the child during each class.

  To register for this program, click HERE!

KinderGym

World of Wonderment (WOW) Programs

(Ages: 2 years 11 months to 5 years 11 months)

Each level of Ortona’s WOW programs is age specific, which allows children to get the most out of the program. In Ortona’s World of Wonderment, children grow and develop through fun activities, games and gymnastics exercises. You’ll be amazed at how much fun can be had here at Ortona.

WOW Puddle Jumpers (KG1)- LTAD 1

• Puddle Jumpers is a structured, un-parented 45-minute program for children 3 years of age.
• This program incorporates things like music, gymnastics circuits and games to educate these young athletes and develop their minds and bodies. This is the first un-parented level in our WOW program.
• The program is taught in our unique, colourful, and kid-friendly preschool gym. This educational environment is filled with chances for discovery, growth and learning, and all the equipment is toddler-sized.
• Children are introduced to the fundamentals of gymnastics (swings, springs, rotations, locomotion, statics and landing) and develop coordination, listening skills and build independence.
• These young athletes receive a report card at the end of each session and a red ribbon upon completion of the level to show them how far they have progressed.
• All participants that join our program must be potty trained.

To register for this program, click HERE!

WOW Leaf Hoppers (KG2)-LTAD 1

• Leaf Hoppers is a structured, un-parented 60-minute program for children 3 years and 4 months to 4 years and 3 months of age.
• This course follows Ortona’s Puddle Jumpers (KG1) program and builds on the gymnastic foundations (swings, springs, rotations, locomotions, statics, landings and object manipulation) learned in Puddle Jumpers. If your child is 3 years of age, we recommended that they first complete Puddle Jumpers prior to taking this class.
• The program is taught in our unique, colourful, and kid-friendly preschool gym. This educational environment is filled with chances for discovery, growth and learning, and all the equipment is the perfect size for the young athletes.
• Children participate in artistic gymnastics by exploring the bars, beam and similar apparatuses.
• This program incorporates things like music, gymnastics circuits and games to educate these young athletes and develop their minds and bodies.
• The young athletes receive a report card at the end of each session and an orange ribbon upon completion of the level to reward all their hard work.
• Children must be potty trained in order to participate.

To register for this program, click HERE!

WOW Log Leapers (KG3)-LTAD 1

• Log Leapers is a structured 60-minutes program for children 4 and 5 years of age.
• The program builds upon the skills taught in Leaf Hoppers (KG2) and further develops each child’s ability and knowledge of the basic gymnastics foundations (swings, springs, rotations, locomotions, statics, landings and object manipulation). We recommend that children 4 years of age should complete Leaf Hoppers (KG3) prior to enrolling in Log Leapers.
• The majority of the classes will take place in our incredible, colourful, kid-friendly Kinder Gym. This unique environment offers children the chance to learn, grow and have fun on a wide array of kid-sized equipment including a mini rock climbing wall, slides and tunnels. Our larger, main gym will also be utilized, offering the young athletes a chance to further develop their skills.
• In addition to the basic gymnastics circuits, the children explore artistic gymnastics on bars, beam, and other apparatuses. By participating in gymnastics circuits and educational games, the young athletes develop their minds, bodies and learn healthy lifestyle choices.
• Each child receives a report card at the end of each session and an yellow ribbon upon completion of the level to reward all their hard work.
• Children must be potty trained in order to participate.

To register for this program, click HERE!

WOW Vine Swingers (KG4)-LTAD 1

• Vine Swingers is a 60 minute un-parented, advanced program for children 4 to 5 years 11 months of age. This class expands on the gymnastic fundamentals (swings, springs, rotations, locomotions, statics landings and object manipulation) learned in Puddle Jumpers (KG1), Leaf Hoppers (KG2), Log Leapers (KG3) and introduces more advanced skills. This is the highest level of Ortona’s WOW programs.
• The program utilizes our larger main gym in addition to the preschool gym, to offer the young athletes a chance to try more advanced techniques and develop their skills even further. Two gyms means twice the fun.
• The program builds upon the basic gymnastics movements (swings, springs, rotations, locomotions, statics, landings and object manipulation) learned at the lower WOW program levels, and begins to introduce more advanced skills to the young gymnasts. Additionally, the program combines dance, music and play to create a fun and educational program. Children must complete Log Leapers (KG3) prior to registering in this program.
• The young athletes receive a report card at the end of each session and a green ribbon upon completion of the level to reward all their hard work.
• Children must be potty trained in order to participate.

To register for this program, click HERE!  

Artistic Badge Program (GFA)

Ages: 5 years 11 months - 14 years 11 months

Ortona’s Badge Program aligns with Canada Gymnastics CanGym Program and is used as a progress monitoring and motivational tool for men’s and women’s artistic gymnastics. Athletes in the Artistic Badge Program are beginner to advanced level recreational gymnasts.

The Badge Program is based on Gymnastics Canada’s philosophy of fun, fitness and fundamentals. These 3 beliefs are integrated into every lesson which creates a welcoming, engaging and exciting environment for all gymnasts.

Artistic Badges 1-4- LTAD 2

At these levels, athletes focus on learning skills grouped into one of the 6 fundamental movement patterns: landings, locomotions, stationary positions, rotations, springs and swings. Skills at this level are taught on a variety of competitive and non-competitive apparatuses. Athletes progress through the 4 badges at their own pace depending on their abilities and goals.

• Badge 1/2: Athletes learn skills like safe landings, runs, log rolls, jumps and balancing techniques.
• Badge 3: Each session at this level builds on the fundamental movement patterns taught at badges 1 and 2. Athletes learn skills such as forward and backward rolls, inverted balances and hangs as well as beginner strength exercises.
• Badge 4: Each session focuses on mastering the basic skills required for each athlete to move into the gender-specific training. Athletes will work on skills such as handstands, cartwheels and pullovers.

Artistic Badges 5-12 - LTAD 3

At Badge 5, Ortona’s Badge Program is split into Men’s Artistic Gymnastics Events and Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Events: 

MAG (Men’s Artistic Gymnastics) - Floor, Pommel Horse, Rings, Vault, Parallel Bars, High Bar

WAG (Women’s Artistic Gymnastics) - Vault, Bars, Beam, Floor

While these classes are split into two categories, Ortona welcomes athletes of any gender to register.

Fundamental movements are combined with basic skills to teach the athletes more advanced skills. Athletes must train regularly to maintain strength, flexibility, coordination and balance.

At levels 5 through 8, athletes are encouraged to train at least twice a week, and at levels 9 to 12 at least 2 weekly sessions are required for an athlete to maintain their success and keep up with the training.

• Badge 5: The athletes begin to develop skills required for women’s/men’s artistic gymnastics apparatuses. These skills include (but are not limited to) round-off’s, basic vault skils, bar swings and casts as well as basic dance elements.
• Badge 6: Athletes further build on basic techniques and learn skills to help them succeed on each apparatus such as circle elements on the bars, floor combinations, vaulting skills and basic acrobatic elements. 
• Badge 7/8: These badge levels allow athletes to focus on mastering the techniques required to potentially make the transition from recreational training to developmental, competitive, or performance team training.
• Badges 9–12: The final 4 badge levels focus on maintaining strength and flexibility while working towards mastering higher level acrobatic skills such as tumbling lines and saltos. The connection of elements is another component to these levels to aide athletes in the creation of routines.

To register for one of these programs, click HERE, then scroll down and select Artistic Badges. From there you can select a specific class and register!  

CanJump (T&T)

Active For Life (Teen) 

Age: 11 - 17 years 

Teen Gymnastics- LTAD 8

• In this program, the athletes explore various gymanstics apparatuses from a variety of gymnastic’s diciplines including Men’s Artistic Gymnastics, Women’s Artistic Gymnastics and Trampoline and Tumbling. Our coaches will adapt the lesson to each participant’s skill level. 
• The Teen class is individually paced, creating an environment that focuses on safety, positivity and education.
• Our Teen classes allow athletes to progress at their own pace at their individual skill level. This program give your teen a chance to enjoy gymnastics and learn at their own pace.

To register for this program, click HERE!

Active For Life (Adult) 

Age: 18 plus

Adult Gymnastics- LTAD 8

Here at Ortona, we believe you are never too old for Gymnastics! At any age, you can find something beneficial and rewarding in gymnastics.

The Benefits of Gymnastics for Adults:

• Gymnastics is the perfect physical activity for adults to reap the numerous benefits that come with regular exercise.
• Gymnastics focuses on resistance training and functional strength.
• The long term benefits of resistance training include improved joint health, muscle development and cardiovascular fitness. Additionally, gymnastics is an excellent way to improve flexibility which improves joint mobility, circulation and helps prevent injuries.
• Gymnastics can help maintain or improve your flexibility. 
• The greatest benefit that comes from an Ortona adult program is fun. Our classes will leave you smiling and feeling positive. You’ll enjoy coming to class each week and learning new ways to be healthy, and you’ll love seeing your health improve as the weeks continue. 

Adult Programs at Ortona: 

Ortona’s adult programs are separated into 2 levels: beginner and intermediate/advanced. These 2 levels allow every individual, regardless of their ability, knowledge or experience, to participate in gymnastics and experience the positive feeling that comes from being active. 

Beginner Program

Ortona’s beginner program covers an introduction to basic skills on many gymnastics apparatuses for Men’s Artistic, Women’s Artistic and Trampoline and Tumbling. These apparatuses include (but are not limited to) floor, bars, beam, vault, and trampoline. Fundamental movement patterns for introductory gymnastics skills will be taught:

• Swings
• Springs
• Landings
• Rotations
• Locomotions
• Balances

The ultimate goal of the beginner program is to build a solid foundation for athletes in gymnastics. We want every athlete to build a base of gymnastics movements and skills that they can use to further develop their techniques and learn harder skills. Each athlete is challenged individually based upon the progress he or she shows, which guarantees that everyone is moving at their own safe pace.

Intermediate/Advanced Program

The intermediate/advanced program is a structured program where the focus shifts to the individual goals of each athlete on various events. This program allows athletes to develop skills on many gymnastics apparatuses for Men’s Artistic, Women’s Artistic and Trampoline and Tumbling. These apparatuses include (but are not limited to) floor, bars, beam, vault, and trampoline. 

Athletes in this level have a working grasp of the basic fundamental movements and gymnastics skills. Some athletes will often be veterans of the adult program and will have been a part of the program for several years.

*Ortona’s Adult classes allow more flexibility to the athletes to focus on skills and events that they feel most comfortable with, while still providing a structured class. 

To register for this program, click HERE!

 You’re never too young to gain something positive from the sport of gymnastics.

Performance Team

A fusion of Gymnastics, Acrobatics and Dance, Ortona Gymnastics’ Performance Team program provides athletes of a variety of ages and skill levels the opportunity to perform group routines at various different events, and celebrate their love for gymnastics! 

Athletes that participate in this program can anticipate a focus on Tumbling, Acrobatic and Trampoline skills throughout the year, with dance classes and routine building focused on heavily in the second half of the season in preparation for show season – which typically runs from late February – early June.  

How the year will work:

September- December: Athletes will work on basic to advanced skills as well as conditioning to strengthen them for harder skills. Trampoline, tumbling and stunts will be the focus.

December – March: Athletes will continue to work on tumbling and trampoline skills, dance and stunts and will begin to also focus more on the routine building component putting all of these items together. 

April - June: Athletes will continue to perfect their group routine as well as work on their skill acquisition in preparation for Gym Fest!

Class Offerings-by Invite Only:

Interested in the Program?

Coach Invitational

Ages: 4 years 0 months to 8 years 11 months

Ortona offers advanced programs for athletes who show promise and excel at gymnastics.

Admission into these programs is by recommendation only. If you would like your child to be considered for one of these programs Request an Assessment.

• Tiny Tumblers: This program is for girls aged 4 to 5 and is a pre-developmental program that allows young athletes to quickly transition to advanced recreational and/or developmental programs.
• Mighty Mites: This program is for boys aged 4 to 5 and is a pre-developmental program for young athletes who wish to consider further training in our developmental gymnastics programs.
• KinderGym 5 (not currently available): This advanced KinderGym program is for athletes aged 4 to 6. Athletes in this program get a head start on transitioning to more advanced programs like GFA, T&T or Artistic.
• Aerials: This advanced program is for girls aged 6 to 9 and allows athletes to get a jump start into many other Ortona programs such as advanced recreational and or competitive programs. 
• Xcel Team Prep: This advanced rec program is for girls aged 6 to 9. The goal of this program is to develop athletes for our Xcel program.

• Performance Team: This program is fun and exciting twist on the sport of Gymnastics! Athletes work on gymnastics skills, dance, acrobatics, group and partner stunts on the floor and build a large group routines that include music, themes and props. Costumes and other equipment are also utilized to make every routine unique and fun. Performance Team participants will perform in local demonstrations as well as Alberta Gymnastics Annual Gym Fest. Athletes must commit to twice a week and due to the team component of the routines will be required to attend the practices on a regular committed basis.