American Academy of Rhythmic Gymnastics

American Academy of Rhythmic Gymnastics offers rhythmic gymnastics, preschool and recreational classes, a Junior Olympic competitive program, tumbling, ballet, athlete conditioning and flexibility, Pilates, yoga, intensive classical ballet, modern dance movement, Latin dancing, and private and semi-private classes. The program also runs summer camps, including a Rhythmic Gymnastics Summer Camp and a Fun Rhythmic Conditioning Camp, where gymnasts take part in activities such as group performances and a Mini Olympic Trials.

• Ages: 4–11 years old
• Schedule: Fall session runs 8–10 weeks, with Level 1 and Levels 2–4 classes offered on Mondays and Saturdays, semi-private classes on Wednesdays, and separate one-week Rhythmic Gymnastics Summer Camp (August 4–8, 2025, 1–4 p.m.) and Fun Rhythmic Conditioning Camp (June 10–14, 1–4 p.m.); there are no classes during holidays.
• Price: Level 1 Monday fee is $219; Level 1 Saturday fee is $189 for 6 weeks; Levels 2–4 Monday fee is $319; Performing Team Saturday fee is $259 for 6 weeks; each summer camp is $299, with all fees due the first week of classes and a $10–$15 late penalty.

American Academy of Rhythmic Gymnastics has been teaching the Olympic sport of rhythmic gymnastics since 1984 and states that rhythmic gymnastics combines the elegance, grace and beauty of the dancer with the dynamic power, strength and coordination of the athlete. The program notes that rhythmic gymnastics thrives on creativity and originality, and that gymnasts can design their own routines and express their personalities and feelings through body movement and music. The stated mission is to bring fitness to kids of all ages, levels and abilities through fun and games.

The Rhythmic Gymnastics Summer Camp includes new elements, flexibility and muscle tone work, Pilates, yoga, intensive classical ballet, and modern dance movement, along with a Mini Olympic Trials and a performance for parents. The Fun Rhythmic Conditioning Camp focuses on coordination, endurance, balance and different muscle groups and is described as an introduction to a lifelong fitness program and a solid foundation to any sport. Summer camps are payable to the City of San Ramon, and there is a suggestion for families to check with school principals about possible school assemblies on the Olympic sport of rhythmic gymnastics.

Coach Marina Shel Kolt was born in Odessa, Ukraine, trained at Sport School #1, and earned the Candidate of Masters in Rhythmic Gymnastics. She received a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Physical Education from the Polytechnic Institute in Riga, Latvia, worked as a coach at Menlo Park Dance Academy and for the City of Fremont, completed an Elite Coaching course at the Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center, and was offered a job there. Marina is a certified judge who participates in judging courses every year, has served as the official judging coordinator for all sanctioned competitions in California, and has spent the past ten years involved in Latin dancing, including helping dancers stay in shape and rehabilitate after injuries. Two of Marina’s gymnasts won a national competition in St. Louis, Missouri, and American Academy gymnasts have participated in numerous state, regional and international competitions.

Coach Kelli Beasley started rhythmic gymnastics at age 5, trained with Marina Shel Kolt for over 6 years, competed in individual events up to level 8, and took part in numerous group performances with American Academy. She was also a varsity cheerleader in high school and has been involved in rhythmic gymnastics for over 25 years. For families whose children compete, parents need to sign the USA membership form and return it with a check, and the program notes that there are a few leotards for sale.

Last updated June 16, 2026.