WORLD GYMNAESTRADAS

1939

Stockholm, Sweden

An international, non-competitive, gymnastics event was held in memory of Per Henrik Ling. It was called the "Lingiad", was repeated in 1949 and was so successful that a Dutch delegate put forward a plan at the 1951 International Gymnastics Federation (FIG), Congress for a World Gymnastic Festival to be called "Gymnaestrada" (from "gymnastics" and "estrad" = stage).
The FIG Gala, a highlight of each World Gymnaestrada, has evolved from the so-called Matinees introduced in 1982 in Zurich, when a jury, after carefully watching the various displays during the course of the event chose the supposedly best groups who would then perform again at the end of he week.The format changed in 1991 when the first FIG Gala as we know it today took place. Having evolved into a sophisticated show combining sport, art and music, and following a specific theme throughout the event, the FIG Gala is now a program needing years of careful preparation.

#1

1953

Rotterdam, Netherlands

-

#2

1957

Zagreb, Yougslavia

-

#3

1961

Stuttgart, Germany 

-

#4

1965

Vienna, Austria

Canada was represented for the first time at a World Gymnaestrada by Kalev Estienne

#5

1969

Basel, Switzerland 

Canada was again represented by Kalev Estienne

#6

1975

Berlin, Germany

Kalev, Quebec and Alberta represented Canada

#7

1982

Zurich, Switzerland

The Kalev Senior Elite represented Canada and were selected for the FIG Gala.

#8

1987

Herning, Denmark

Kalev Senior Elite, again part of the FIG Gala 

#9

1991

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Kalev Senior Elite participated in the FIG Gala

#10

1995

Berlin, Germany

Kalev Senior Elite and Rhythmic Elite Centre

#11

1999

Göteborg, Sweden

Rhythmic Elite Centre, York Rhythmics and Rhythmic Expressions participated. The Expressions were selected for the FIG Gala Performance.

#12

2003

Lisbon, Portugal

The Expressions were again selected for the FIG Gala Performances. Other participants were groups from the Rhythmic Elite Centre.

#13

2007

Dornbirn,Austria

The Expressions were again selected to represent Canada at the FIG Gala Performances.