A Balance Beam is used in gymnastics. It is commonly referred to as an artistic gymnastics apparatus. The same name is also used to refer to the event of the performance of said apparatus. It is sometimes referred to simply as "beam" in shorthand.
The beam is a thin apparatus which is raised from floor by stands at either end. Typically, gymnasts that perform the balance beam are only Female.
When female artistic gymnastics was first initiated, beam performances were closer linked to dance. Today, routines comprised using the balance beam have altered and evolved slightly, now gearing towards a hybrid of acrobatics and dance.
Beam routines are usually associated with leaps, dance, poses and acrobatic skills combined. The difficulty level has drastically increased since the 1960's. Beam is also currently incorporated in the Olympics.
