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When she was 6 years old, Maria Wood went to a rhythmic gymnastics class with her mother near their home in Moscow. Until then, Wood had been interested in music, but once she saw how graceful the gymnasts were, she wanted to be just like them.

"It gives you that aesthetic view of life," she said. "With gymnastics, you learn how to be confident performing in front of people."

Wood has continued to develop her talents as a gymnast and a teacher. In 1996, she graduated from Moscow State Teaching University, and she has been instructing rhythmic gymnastics classes ever since.

In Moscow she met Matthew Wood, a Marine stationed at the American Embassy. The two married in Russia, and when he wanted to move back to West Virginia to continue his education, his wife decided she would use her training in the United States.

Matthew Wood is now a doctor completing his residency at Wheeling Hospital. For the past two years, Maria Wood has held a rhythmic gymnastics course at the J.B. Chambers YMCA in Wheeling. The YMCA will begin a new four-month rhythmic gymnastics course next month for girls 6-14 years old. The first class will be free of charge and will run from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Sept. 3. After that, the class will meet from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and 5-6 p.m. Fridays until Dec. 19. Those interested are invited to sign up any time.

For more information, call Jill Paul at the J.B. Chambers YMCA at 304-242-8086.

Before moving to Wheeling, Wood taught at a YMCA in Greenbrier County, W.Va., where she said she was surprised by how few rhythmic gymnastics classes were offered in West Virginia.

The best program she encountered was in Fairmont, home of celebrated gymnast Mary Lou Retton. Retton is an artistic gymnast, which is the more common type of gymnast. These competitors participate in events like the uneven bars, the balance beam, the vault and floor exercise.

Rhythmic gymnastics is more of a combination of ballet, gymnastics, theatrical dance and working with props like balls, hoops, ribbons, ropes or clubs. These gymnasts compete in individual or group events.

Traditionally, the YMCA has only offered tumbling classes. But two years ago, Wood proposed it offer rhythmic gymnastics, which she said is less traumatic to the body. So far, the program's safety and the lack of other rhythmic gymnastics classes has drawn interest.