HISTORY OF CALISTHENICS IN AUSTRALIA

Although originating in England and Europe, Calisthenics came to prominence in the Victorian Gold Rush.  It provided exercises to help city dwellers keep fit.  These exercises were often combined with apparatus to keep their wrists, elbows and shoulders supple.  Clubs and rods are currently being used for this.  Musical accompaniment gradually enhanced performances and it slowly became an integral part of the sport.

Public classes began in the 1880's.  By 1903 the Royal South Street Society introduced calisthenics to its famous Eisteddfod in Ballarat.  The competition in Ballarat is still the focus for many clubs in Australia.  Calisthenics was introduced into Victorian State Schools in the 1930s.

The sport became so popular that Calisthenics Clubs spread rapidly, although mostly in Victoria and South Australia.  It achieved national attraction when Victorian and South Australian coaches began moving throughout Australia. 

WHAT IS CALISTHENICS?

"Calisthenics (Greek: "Kallos" for beauty and "sthenos" for strength) is a uniquely Australian sport.  Calisthenics is an enjoyable solo and team sport that encourages physical development, co-ordination and self discipline through a series of light dance, march, ballet and gymnastic routines, some with the use of apparatus all musically choreographed with singing and acting performed on a theatre stage for an Adjudicator, much like an Eisteddfod.

Calisthenics, as we know it today, involves a team of athletes learning between 5 and 8 routines, each lasting between 1.5 - 5 minutes, choreographed to music. This is where the diversity of the sport is seen as well as the promotion of friendship;. All routines are coached and performed with the emphasis of teamwork and uniformity.  it helps improve correct posture and overall grooming, which continues to help them throughout their life.  Athletes develop an appreciation for music, rhythm and stage presence. They are shown make-up and hair design techniques . 

Performances at concerts and competitions involve wearing stunning costumes, making the performances very dynamic and exciting both for the athletes and the audience.

There are different levels of Calisthenics, some clubs are non-competitive, performing only at their annual concert. Other teams compete during the year at a number of competitions, performing on stage in costumes. Queensland also has a State Representative Team that competes at the Australian National Championships.

Sport or Art? - Calisthenics can be categorised as both. As a sport it encourages physical development, coordination, self-discipline and team spirit. As an Art it develops an appreciation of music and rhythm, the beauty of line and the excitement of presenting on stage.Australian Calisthenics today is considered an artistic and performance sport, as are rhythmic gymnastics and ice dancing.  It is a year round sport with a strong emphasis placed on team work.  Participants are separated into sections according to their age and are then placed in teams according to their skill level and experience.