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.
Free Exercises
The Free-Arm routine is one that incorporates gymnastics-type moves demonstrating strength, flexibility and rhythm. Moves that may be included in this type of routine include bend-backs, walk-overs, splits, cartwheels and leg mounts. These moves are taught at a simplified level in the Tinies and Sub-Junior teams, with the techniques being added to as participants move through the team levels.
Clubs
Clubs provide participants to perfect rhythmic movements which include swinging clubs around and across the body, legs and head. The aim is to have the team perform in unison, and this style encourages timing and builds body coordination.
Rods
The rod is a light metal rod that is used to perform a dance routine that incorporates swinging, spinning and manipulation of rods in time with team members. Rods routines also include flexibility, strength and movements in time to music.
Aesthetic
The Aesthetic routine is most similar to ballet or lyrical jazz routines, with flowing skirts and graceful movements. Facial expression is also promoted and encouraged to better tell the story through the dance.
Figure March
Figure march is very much about timing and precision. Teams move through various formations during the routine, and the emphasis is on team cohesion, precision of movement and timing.
Fancy Item
Each year the Calisthenics Association selects of format for the Fancy Item, which coaches then choreograph. The Fancy can be either a Folk Dance, Song and Dance/Action Song, or Medley/Stage Presentation or Spectacular. The Fancy Item usually has a theme and all team members take part in the Fancy.
There are additional performance opportunities outside teamwork 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.
