Drawing upon the aesthetic heritage of Men’s Artistic Gymnastics to create a personalised technique in competition performance – a case study of the performance qualities of Aleksei Nemov (Russia)

Abstract

This research indicates how a recent World and Olympic Champion gymnast, Aleksei Nemov, used a central aesthetic feature of gymnastic protocol; the salute, to great dramatic effect in his Floor exercise. The socio-aesthetic heritage of the saluting
action in gymnastics, as in many other cultures both military and civilian, is a shared [international] gesture of friendship and respect. Within Men’s Artistic Gymnastics, the simplicity of this action communicates a complex message in an instant which for
the spectator or recipient of this intended gesture, means a great deal more than a casual wave or some other choreographed but equally non-descript action with the arms. Aleksei Nemov seemed to understand this aspect of aesthetic material in Men’s
Artistic Gymnastics and personalised his performance to assert his personality to great effect within the rules of the sport. This is understood to be an aspect of his performance technique.