Gymnasts Add Harlem Globetrotters to Performance Resume

   Hey kids, want to have some fun? Go see a wacky, zany Harlem Globetrotters performance.

   Want to be part of the fun? Join Encore Gymnastics!

   For years, gymnasts from Concord-based Encore have wowed courtside crowds at the O.co during Warrior’s home stands.

   Now they’ve added the Harlem Globtrotters to an already glowing resume.

   Virginia Kelly, Operations Manager at Encore says, “We have been doing a pregame and half time show each year for the Warriors, but this year, in addition we did the pregame and halftime show for the Harlem Globetrotters. They contacted us to see if we were interested.  We were pretty excited for the opportunity. And the kids, They did an awesome job.”

   The pregame show consists of four beginning and intermediate teams, and the halftime show consists of three advanced teams. Performers ages range from 4 to 40’s. Some kids have been on the team for a matter of weeks, while others have been on the team for over 10 years. Each year they perform at a Warriors game, and travel all over the US to perform at GymFests or other National events.

   “We like to focus on the kids, Kelly says. They are such an amazing, fun, dedicated, hard-working group. Most of them are students, some of them are now coaching here. They are very talented, and precise, even as the teams only meet once per week.” 

   Athletes also do at least one regular class at Encore of either gymnastics or dance.

   “We strongly believe that kids should have the opportunity to experience many interests in their childhood. This is why we only meet once per week. It offers them a chance to be on a team, to show off their talent, make friends, but not consume their lives. It’s a balance that the kids and their families appreciate.

   Their performances consist of acrobatics, gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, and dance.”

   And the fun continues. Classes and camps on the roster. Summer camps are packed full of activities including gymnastics, rock climbing, dance, cool crafts, games, water balloons, team building activities and more.

About Encore Gymnastics:

   Encore Gymnastics is based at the intersection of Concord and Pleasant Hill and the facility ““ actually side-by-side buildings also house indoor rock climbing gym called Rocktopia.

   They have been building strong, healthy, happy kids since 1983 and have been a non-competitive program since 2005. Our philosophy is based on giving children a safe place to learn without the additional stress and time commitment of competition allowing them to truly enjoy being an athlete in a healthy, balanced way.

   Encore provides opportunities throughout the year for athletes to perform and be a star at all levels. At Encore, athletes are winners every day!

   Take a tour through the website. There are events and classes for everyone in the family from 6 months to Adult.

   Reach Encore at (925) 932-1033; [email protected]

   Photos courtesy of Encore and The Ultimate Sports Guide