Introducing Taiga Lumi – Our New Advanced Performance Group
We are excited to introduce Taiga Lumi, a new advanced group for children born between 2015 and 2019 who are eager to grow their gymnastics skills and experience the beauty of Aesthetic Group Gymnastics (AGG). This group is designed for young athletes who enjoy rhythm, music, and movement—and who are ready for a slightly more focused and goal-oriented approach than traditional park district classes (which we also love <3 ).
What Is Aesthetic Group Gymnastics?
Aesthetic Group Gymnastics (AGG) is a beautiful team sport that combines music, rhythm, and movement to create expressive, coordinated performances. AGG programs typically range from 2 to 2.5 minutes, depending on the age level and category. There are both short programs and the more traditional long program.
AGG is growing in the United States, and a new PanAmerican AGG Series has recently been introduced—created to offer families an easier, low-barrier entry into the world of AGG here in the U.S. while still celebrating the elegance and expression of the sport.
AGG is an ideal choice for children who love music, rhythm, and dance but also want to improve their acrobatics, flexibility, coordination, and body movement. It brings together artistry and athleticism in a way that is joyful, safe, and developmentally supportive.
What We’ll Be Working On
Children’s favorites usually include splits (except the stretching part!) and cartwheels, so we will absolutely build on those. In addition to full-body mobility and acrobatics, we will focus on a very important element of AGG: body movement.
We’ll start with the basics—waves, swings, transfers, leans, and lunges —and gradually develop toward more complex combinations.
We will also introduce optional at-home practice, kept light and child-friendly, focusing mainly on ankle mobility, basic conditioning, and gentle stretching.
Another key parts of AGG are jumps and balances. We will explore a variety of age-appropriate jumps such as leaps, little horse jumps, stag jumps, and other step-based combinations that help children understand rhythm, height, and form. We also work with children on various balance skills, some supported by the body alone and others combined with the hands, where the hand helps support the leg in balance.
How Does This Group Differ From Park District Classes?
While our park district classes are fun and beginner-friendly, Taiga Lumi will offer:
Less playtime and a slightly quicker pace
Longer practice duration
Clear skill goals for the season
A full performance routine
Optional at-home practice
Focused technique training
This group is not designed to create Olympic athletes—it is created to give children a meaningful, enjoyable, and inspiring athletic experience, with a foundation they can build on for many years.
Training Details
Practice Length: 90 minutes, once per week
Monthly Fee: $95
Season Length: January 10 – May 30 (5 months)
Location: Staley Martial Arts, Wilmette
An excellent facility for a performing group
Additional practices can be scheduled if needed
Children will receive a performance costume, which they will keep. The cost will be $50–$100 depending on the final design. We love to keep the price as low as possible.
Because this is a performance group, families commit to the full season. Performances will take place outside regular practice time, and we will plan for approximately four optional extra team practices during the spring as we get closer to events. All scheduling conversations will happen together with the team parents.
During the season, Minna D will be the primary coach. Guest coaches may visit occasionally for specialized training or choreography work.
Why We Created Taiga Lumi
Over the past year, we have met so many amazing children through our park district classes in Wilmette, Winnetka, Skokie, and Glencoe. Many of them have shown a strong natural interest in movement, performance, and learning more challenging skills.
We wanted to create a place where these ( and many more) children can continue growing—where they feel supported, inspired, and proud of what they achieve.
As a Finnish-founded program, Taiga Gymnastics brings with it the values of Nordic teaching: kindness, community, creativity, and high-quality movement education. AGG is a sport from Finland, and we are proud to share this meaningful tradition with children here in the Chicago area.
Ready to Join?
No previous dance or gymnastics experience is required. We simply ask that children are excited to learn, able to focus in a group setting, and enjoy working as part of a team.
If your child would love the chance to perform, learn beautiful movements, and be part of a warm and encouraging group, we would be delighted to welcome you to Taiga Lumi.
Please reach out anytime with questions or interest—we are here for you!
