The word calisthenics comes from the Greek words ‘kallos’ for beauty and ‘thenos’ for strength. Indeed, the components of the sport aim at achieving those physical attributes, but the sport also influences the emotional and social development of girls and boys through friendship and teamwork.
Calisthenics is a team sport unique to Australia. It is a diverse artistic sport that develops strength, grace, confidence, discipline and teamwork in a fun and positive learning environment. Participants learn a number of items and perform in costumes on a stage. These items include elements of gymnastics, modified ballet, dance, clubs and rod manipulation, marching, singing and acting. All routines are set to music and choreographed by nationally accredited coaches. .It’s an excellent activity that develops coordination along with fine and gross motor skills through the use of apparatus and movement to music.
Sport or Art? – Calisthenics can be categorised as both. As a sport it encourages physical development, coordination, self-discipline and team spirit and develops flexibility, co-ordination, musicality, deportment, poise and self-esteem.
As an Art it develops an appreciation of music and rhythm, the beauty of line and the excitement of presenting on stage.
What are Calisthenics Items?
Depending on the age group, teams will perform 5-6 different items during concerts and competitions. Whilst the pupils learn many varied movements and skills, they are also developing strong teamwork and gain self esteem and strong friendships as a member of a team.
- Aesthetics The team performs graceful movements which has roots in ballet. The task is to interpret music with feeling and softness, as reflected through their body and facial expressions.
- Rhythmic Similar to aesthetics, rhythmic has roots in ballet and contemporary dance. Performers must demonstrate correct dance technique, grace, and interpretation of a theme. Unlike aesthetics, balletic jumps are permitted (and hence are often a feature) of rhythmic performances
- Free Exercises The team performs a series of strong movements – often with gymnastic elements – involving high levels of flexibility, control and uniformity of rhythm. Routines test performers’ stamina, flexibility and timing.
- Rods A team of members perform similar movements to free exercises, with the added complication of an apparatus in their hands – that a long rod which is manipulated constantly throughout the routine. Pupils must demonstrate rhythm, timing and correct rod technique.
- Clubs Teams are required to swing clubs in unison with perfect rhythm and uniformity in a circular action. The test has become more challenging over time with pupils often being required to move through team formations and execute leg movements, as well as perform intricate club swings.
- Figure March While marching, teams execute many intricate floor patterns, deportment and uniformity. Teamwork and rhythm is very important in this item as the team moves around the stage in complex patterns and formations.
- Action Song The team presents a musical item comprising singing, acting and choreographed movement. This item is performed by the younger age groups, whereas the older age groups participate in Song & Dance.
- Song & Dance The team presents a routine that combines singing with modern dance jazz steps. Adjudicators place heavy emphasis on the quality of singing, presentation, style, facial expression and the correctness of dance steps.
- Calisthenics Revue These routines can combine dancing, singing, gymnastics, balletic movements, acting, comedy and more. Revue allows coaches great freedom in choreographic creativity, often resulting in items that are like miniature theatre productions.
- Folk Dance National Dances from all over the world are performed and interpreted theatrically. Pupils are expected to display correct steps in unison, while also conveying national character, agility and vitality. ( Sub-Juniors & Juniors only)
There are additional performance opportunities outside team work that Club members can participate in. These are known as Calisthenics Physical Solos, Physical Duos and Graceful Solos. Club members also have the opportunity for State Team selection.
