Lights flashed and music blared as teams of gymnasts walked across the floor Saturday at the Maine Academy of Gymnastics. With flags hanging from the ceiling and bunting draped on the walls, each squad was introduced amongst a cheering crowd and flashing cameras.

The Westbrook gym hosted its annual American Flyers Cup over the weekend, with 248 girls between the ages of 6 and 18 competing in various divisions. A dozen teams from throughout New England were represented.

The Yellow Jackets of Middleton, Mass., topped the competition among Levels 4, 5 and 6, while a pair of New Hampshire programs – Atlantic Gymnastics of Portsmouth and New England Gymnastics Training Center of Hudson – were most successful in Levels 7 through 10.

MAG team member Taylor Plasz of Gorham took third place in the floor exercises among the 10-year-olds in Level 5. She finished sixth in her group overall.

“It’s so much fun, and it’s really challenging,” said Plasz, who has been involved in gymnastics for six years. “When I learn new things I feel so proud of myself. It builds confidence in anything you do.”

Plasz, who came to the Maine Academy in September, said that competing at her home gym is exciting.

“I’ve never been on a team before, and it’s so much fun,” she said. “I went from going for an hour to four hours (a day). It’s been a big jump for me.”

The competition went on all day Saturday and much of Sunday, as owners Paul and Lisa Amundson transformed the former warehouse into a glittering spectacle. Frequent messages from parents and friends were read over the PA system to encourage the young acrobats.

Helena Diodati and Melanie Mauro, the only two Level 10 gymnasts in Maine and both members of the MAG team, competed Saturday evening. Mauro took top honors in the balance beam and Diodati won the uneven bars, but Justine Foster of Atlantic finished first in their group overall.

Regardless of the competition, the participants seemed to enjoy demonstrating the physical skills that they’ve been working on.

“I like gymnastics because it’s fun and exciting,” said Ariye Krassner, 14, who competes at Level 9. “There’s always something new you can learn.”

She added that she enjoys working out at the Maine Academy.

“You have a whole other family here,” she added, “and it’s positive and encouraging and makes you feel good about yourself.”