Welcome to Tidewater Gymnastics Academy

• 20+ years coaching gymnastics                                        (all ages / USAG Level 1-10)

• BS in Health and Physical Education (certified K-12)

• USA Gymnastics Safety Certified

• Director of Gymnastics School for 10 years

• Trained with National Coaching Staff

• Head Coach of Team Program Levels 4-10

• USAG Professional Member

Joanna Stewart Felts, co-owner of Tidewater Gymnastics Academy, has been involved in the sport of gymnastics for 30+ years, as a gymnast, judge, and instructor/coach.

• Competitive Class I gymnast 1977-1981

• USA Gymnastics Judge 1994-1996

• BS in Health and Physical Education 1992

• MS in Exercise Science 2003

• Tidewater Community College Instructor (Health and Wellness) 2004-2008
  

• Health and Physical Education Teacher 1993-2003

• High School Varsity Gymnastics Coach 1993-2001

• Old Dominion University Athlete:   NCAA Zone Qualifier for Spring board Diving; School & Pool record holder 1991-1992
  

We are both Norfolk Natives and Maury High School graduates.
Our love for the City of Norfolk and passion for the sport of gymnastics encouraged us to open the
only gymnastics school located in this city.

We would like to personally thank each of you for your interest and support!   We feel extremely fortunate to have such wonderful neighbors, friends, and clients. 

Please read on to learn more about our program, mission, and classes.

   About Gymnastics at TGA

Physical fitness was of the utmost importance to the Ancients Greeks, and the sport of gymnastics grew out of this concept.  Although many changes have taken place in the Sport of Gymnastics over the years, the basic premise is the same.  The underlying goal is to create a sound mind and body.

As the Greeks envisioned, even at its most basic level, the sport of gymnastics can improve strength, coordination, flexibility, balance, speed, and overall kinesthetic sense.  These fitness-related components can be carried over to other sports and activities.  More importantly, the qualities of poise, grace, self-confidence, and discipline can be enhanced to be utilized in every facet of life.  Our classes build a solid foundation for those who wish to pursue elite status in the sport.  However, remember creating a top-notch gymnast, takes years and years of desire, dedication, and hard work.    

Our mission here at TGA is to provide quality fitness and gymnastics instruction for children of all ages and levels.  While nurturing the desire to learn new skills, achieve lofty dreams, and improve in every possible way, we encourage each child to reach their own potential both as athletes and individuals.

Here is an explanation of each of the classes we offer here at TGA.  These classes do build on one another.  Safety and FUN are paramount in each class!

About TGA Classes 

Parent and Me

These classes offer a unique bonding opportunity for the child and parent.  While the goal of this class is to introduce the child to movement and our equipment, the name of the game is FUN.  Parents are included and strongly encouraged to participate with their child.  For many children, this will be their first experience with an organized fitness activity, and it is critical that it is positive.  You can expect your child to improve motor skills, flexibility, strength, and coordination.  The class also promotes body awareness and kinesthetic sense.

Beginner: 3-6 year old

These classes are designed to promote the fitness-related components and fine and gross motor skills.   The beginner 3-6 year old classes are fairly structured.  The coaches lead the students through a warm-up for the first 15 minutes.  After they complete the warm-up, typically they go to three different stations (events) for 15 minutes a piece.  They learn basic gymnastics skills, but much of the class is designed to improve coordination, balance, flexibility, strength, body awareness, etc.  This class builds a strong foundation for these students to move into more skill-based classes or to participate in any other activity.
 More challenging gymnastics equipment will be utilized, and the student will learn more gymnastics terminology.  

Level 1 and Level 2

These classes are the first skills-based classes offered to our students.  This class is open to girls only.  The students will learn basic skills on all of the competitive gymnastics events as well as trampoline.  This class will improve most aspects of fitness as well.  We follow USA Gymnastics Guidelines for all of our skill-based classes (Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3).

Level 2 and Level 3

These classes are for girls only.  In order for a child receive an invitation to this class, all Level 1 skills must be mastered.  The student should have a strong foundation and work ethic.  This class will continue to follow USA Gymnastics Guidelines for Level 2 and Level 3.  As in each of our classes, all above mentioned fitness-related components will improve.

Boys Fitness and Tumbling

This fast-paced class is for boys ages 5 to 12.  The main goal of this class is to improve all aspects of fitness, while learning some basic tumbling and trampoline.  This is a fantastic option for athletes who want to cross-train during their season or maintain fitness levels during the off-season.   

Beginner/Intermediate Cheer Tumbling

Classes are open for boys and girls ages 6 and up.  Our focus is fitness and tumbling specific for cheerleading.

Intermediate/Advanced Cheer Tumbling  

 Classes are open for boys and girls ages 6 and up.  Our focus is fitness and tumbling specific for cheerleading.  The students in this class must have mastered basic tumbling skills and will be working round-off back handsprings and beyond.