Calisthenics is a widely practiced sport in Australia. It is a fun and healthy way to keep fit. It is a uniquely Australian sport that requires discipline of mind and body, teamwork and a competitive spirit.
It is a combination of gymnastics, ballet, folk dance, jazz ballet, apparatus (clubs and rods), figure marching and song and dance. Pupils learn between 4 – 8 routines a year (depending on their age group and team), each choreographed to dance and music. Routines last between 2 to 4 minutes and are presented on stage at competitions with beautifully made costumes.
Calisthenics encourages physical development, co-ordination, self-discipline, and team spirit. Calisthenics is categorised as both a sport and art. It encourages the physical development and the appreciation of music, which makes it spectacular to watch.
March
Teams need to execute intricate floor patterns, deportment and uniformity.
Clubs
Teams need to swing clubs in unison with perfect rhythm and uniformity in a circular action. They will also be required to add legmovements as they progress to the higher age groups.
Freearm
Teams perform strong movement involving high levels of flexibility, control and uniformity of rhythm.
Rods
Teams perform similar movements to freearm but with an added apparatus in their hands (rods), which is manipulated throughout the item.
Aesthetics
Teams perform graceful movements demonstrating softness and facial expressions. Also known as Rhythmical Aesthetics
Song
Teams perform a musical item, which comprises singing, acting and choreographed movement. Also known as Song & Dance which comprises more modern dance steps.
Dance
Teams need to perform correct steps in unison while conveying a given character. Also known as Character Dance or Folk Dance.
Revue
Teams perform a routine combining singing, gymnastics, balletic movements, comedy and in some cases costume changes.
