In a nondescript building in the west of Joburg, a group of young gymnasts are soaring above the drugs and gangsterism that plague their neighbourhood. Above: Lynique Madikoto stands in front of fellow gymnasts as they perform a dazzling formation. Pictures: Herman Verwey/City Press

Claudia Havenga (left) and Chandre Glade (right) hold up a fellow gymnast during a tricky move.

Isaac Madikoto performs his warm-up exercise.

Dusting your hands with chalk is an essential practice during the gym training.

Alexa von Willigh (left) and Tamia Joseph (right) warm up during a training session.

Kids use the time between training to get some homework done.

Gym members lie down on mats and get themselves psyched up for the day’s training