What is Calisthenics

What is Calisthenics

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Updated 14 Aug 2005

Calisthenics is a unique Australian sport that originated in Victoria in the Gold Rush of the 1800’s. It was derived from European physical culture or gymnastics, which was designed to keep men, women and children who lived in the city healthy, as they were no longer participating in the strenuous physical activity of rural life. It was practised in church halls and the drills were executed to musical accompaniment and words of command.

Calisthenics has come a long way since these humble beginnings. The first and second World Wars saw the gradual disappearance of male competitors. Calisthenics as we know it today evolved in the late 1940’s. The 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne exposed calisthenics teachers to the international trends of gymnastics presentations. This exposure led the way for the incredible growth and development within the sport.

Today, Calisthenics in Australia is considered an artistic or performing sport, as are rhythmic gymnastics and ice dancing. It is a year round sport with a strong emphasis on being a team sport. Participants are separated into sections according to their age and are then placed in teams according to their skill level and experience.

Each team learns between five and seven routines that are designed to develop strength, flexibility, fitness, poise and confidence. Routines are performed on a theatre stage to music and the emphasis is on precision and uniformity across the team.

There are many different disciplines or routines that can be taught in Calisthenics, that is why it is considered such a diversified sport. The core items, which are taught every year and form the basis of Calisthenics skills are: Figure March, Free Exercise, Rods, Club Swinging and Aesthetic.

Figure March develops rhythm, core stability, extension and deportment of the body. It involves a team executing intricate patterns on the stage.

Free Exercise displays team strength and flexibility. It is a series of movements involving flexibility, strength, control and uniformity performed with no apparatus.

Rods is similar to Free Exercise but is performed with a long rod. Participants twist, manipulate, and flash the rod to develop the shoulder, arm and wrist, whilst incorporating leg and dance work.

Club Swinging involves the swinging of clubs in unison with rhythm and uniformity. Clubs are often swung in different directions and doing different movements. (Not performed by Tinies)

Aesthetics is a ballet influenced discipline and is performed with a long flowing skirt. The team interprets the music through graceful, flowing body movements.

The remaining disciplines are Folk Dance, Song and Dance, Song with Actions, Calisthenics Spectacular, Rhythmic and Stage Presentation. These are called our “Fancy Items” and are usually highly costumed and theme based.


			What is Calisthenics


Home About Us What is Calisthenics Teams Committee Coaches Fees Newsletters Competitions Solos Camp Team Photos Skills Results Calendar Club Products Corporate Documents Links Privacy Contact Us Updated 14 Aug 2005			Calisthenics is a unique Australian sport that originated in Victoria in the Gold Rush of the 1800’s. It was derived from European physical culture or gymnastics, which was designed to keep men, women and children who lived in the city healthy, as they were no longer participating in the strenuous physical activity of rural life. It was practised in church halls and the drills were executed to musical accompaniment and words of command. Calisthenics has come a long way since these humble beginnings. The first and second World Wars saw the gradual disappearance of male competitors. Calisthenics as we know it today evolved in the late 1940’s. The 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne exposed calisthenics teachers to the international trends of gymnastics presentations. This exposure led the way for the incredible growth and development within the sport. Today, Calisthenics in Australia is considered an artistic or performing sport, as are rhythmic gymnastics and ice dancing. It is a year round sport with a strong emphasis on being a team sport. Participants are separated into sections according to their age and are then placed in teams according to their skill level and experience. Each team learns between five and seven routines that are designed to develop strength, flexibility, fitness, poise and confidence. Routines are performed on a theatre stage to music and the emphasis is on precision and uniformity across the team. There are many different disciplines or routines that can be taught in Calisthenics, that is why it is considered such a diversified sport. The core items, which are taught every year and form the basis of Calisthenics skills are: Figure March, Free Exercise, Rods, Club Swinging and Aesthetic. *Figure March* develops rhythm, core stability, extension and deportment of the body. It involves a team executing intricate patterns on the stage. *Free Exercise* displays team strength and flexibility. It is a series of movements involving flexibility, strength, control and uniformity performed with no apparatus. *Rods* is similar to Free Exercise but is performed with a long rod. Participants twist, manipulate, and flash the rod to develop the shoulder, arm and wrist, whilst incorporating leg and dance work. *Club Swinging* involves the swinging of clubs in unison with rhythm and uniformity. Clubs are often swung in different directions and doing different movements. (Not performed by Tinies) *Aesthetics* is a ballet influenced discipline and is performed with a long flowing skirt. The team interprets the music through graceful, flowing body movements. The remaining disciplines are Folk Dance, Song and Dance, Song with Actions, Calisthenics Spectacular, Rhythmic and Stage Presentation. These are called our “Fancy Items” and are usually highly costumed and theme based.