On tour

Touring the world as an athlete on the team is quite an experience and it is something to strive for.

The gymnasts give priority to taking a year's leave from either their jobs or studies to attend the tour. Despite all the obstacles and challenges they will face on the way visiting many different cultures and environments, the outcome and the benefits outdo by far the effort.

It is a challenging task to go on a world tour – travelling for 10 month in a row. Just being on the move takes a lot of time.

Privately accommodated

Due to the way the team travels, the athletes are expected to accept various conditions of accommodation and transport.

It is deliberate that the team is not accommodated in luxury hotels, as DGI believes in the value of being in the midst of a culture and its people. The team is therefore often privately accommodated or stay in dormitories, hostels etc.

Each of the participants is allowed to bring only very few personal items and clothes in their suitcase. Most of the space is defined for costumes and training gear.
The team may travel light in personal outfit, but it will definitely bring back loads of memories and experience.

Preparing for the world tour

It takes a lot of energy and preparation to be able to give a 90-minute gymnastics show. Beside the shows and minor displays, the team also gives workshops, activities, classroom visits etc.

It is the philosophy of the team, that it will show and work with the all the aspects of Danish gymnastics. Therefore, the athletes need to be skilled not only as performers but also as coaches and instructors.

Everyone is willing

The team meets a lot of different conditions to perform under: Indoor sports arenas, theatres, a lawn in the local park or just a dirty field. It could be burning hot or windy and chilly, but the gymnasts will always try to adapt their show to the local conditions.

The team members are not considered professionals, and each of them pays a fee to be part of the tour. This is due to the very unique traditions in Danish club life, that everyone is willing to contribute to a greater common good – to keep the local community based gymnastics club live.

Challenged by different cultures

One thing is to be challenged by different cultures and unaccustomed accommodation or venues. But what really provides experience and common education is living closely together with the 32 other team members for nearly one year.

It is a gift to be able to travel the world practising one's hobby – display gymnastics – for a year. Meeting people all around the world is very educational, and the insight given by staying in various cultures is an eye opener.