The gymnasts at Kaleidoscope School of Dance and Gymnastics have proven that they can flip and fly with the best in the state.

Each girl in levels 5 and 6 qualified for the state competition held in Holyoke in March, and some of them placed in the top ten on a number of events, and even in the all-around competition. (Gymnasts are ranked in levels 1 through 10, with competition beginning at level 4.)

"Just to qualify is a big deal for them," said coach Erin Bosanquet. "I think they were a little disappointed in themselves, but really they shouldn't be because they all did great."

For next season, the rules have been switched up by USA Gymnastics, changing the skill level required at level 6 to the skill level that formerly was required at level 7.

There are four events in women’s gymnastics: floor, balance beam, vault, and the uneven parallel bars. Each event requires a different skill set. Brute strength can make for powerful tumbling and vaulting, while dance skills are a must for the floor and balance beam. The bars require an immense amount of upper-body strength.

USA Gymnastics is the governing body for competitive gymnastics.

In addition, the girls will begin performing "optional" routines at level 6 rather than level 7. This means they get to make up their own routines, rather than performing the compulsory routines handed down by USA Gymnastics.

Based on their performances at states, each of the girls is poised to move up a level. Skill wise, they will be advancing, but numerically, they'll be competing at the same level.

"My level sixes are moving up to level 6," mused Bosanquet.

Most of the girls seem like they're just happy to be moving on up, and working on new tricks.

"It's a big change. Beam is going to be scary," said 13-year-old level 6 gymnast Maxine Kellum of Mattapoisett. Kellum did a superb job at states, placing sixth in the all-around, fifth on floor, and fourth on bars.

While new skill requirements -- including a back handspring on the beam -- are a bit intimidating, Kellum doesn't see that as a bad thing.

"If it wasn't scary I wouldn't want to shoot for anything," she said.

Thirteen-year-old Alyson Stellato of Mattapoisett came in 7th on bars, and is looking forward to performing optional routines next season.

"I'm really excited because it's going to fit more to my strengths," said Stellato, who started out as a dancer and considers graceful dancing, rather than power tumbling, to be her strength.

Eleven-year-old level six gymnast Laurenne Wilkinson of Marion injured her foot early in the state competition which hampered her performance according to her, but she still performed well enough to move up a level.

"Next season I hope to do better and not hurt myself," said Wilkinson.

Kate Erickson, an 11-year-old level 5 gymnast from Marion, came in third on vault. The fact that a mental block at the beginning of the season prevented her from making it over the vault makes this feat even more impressive.

She's not thrilled about the rule changes, but is staying positive.

"This will technically be my third year at level 5," said Erickson. "Now I have to try and get these new tricks."

Nine-year-old Mia Hemphill of Marion didn't place at states, but scored a season high 8.5 (out of a possible 10) on the balance beam.

"It went really, really well," said Hemphill. "It doesn't matter what you place."

The girls will spend the summer learning new tricks and return next season with tougher routines.