Skip to content

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, as we know it today, involves a team of pupils learning routines choreographed to music – each of about three to four minutes duration – and presenting those routines at competitions. Pupils learn approximately six routines concurrently throughout a year and this is where the diversity of the sport is seen. There are different levels of Calisthenics; some clubs have non-competitive classes, 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.

Calisthenic Items

Calisthenics participants perform several different items at each competition. Depending on the age group, participants may rehearse and perform:

  • Figure March

    While marching teams execute many intricate floor patterns, deportment and uniformity. Teamwork and rhythm are very important in this item, as the team moves around the stage in complex patterns and formations.

  • 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.

  • Free Exercises

    A team of pupils perform a series of strong movements – often with gymnastic elements – involving high levels of flexibility, control and uniformity of rhythm. Routines test pupil’s stamina, flexibility and timing.

  • Rods

    A team of pupils perform similar movements to free exercises, with the added complication of a metal rod apparatus in their hands, which is manipulated constantly throughout the routine. Pupils must demonstrate rhythm, timing and correct rod technique.

  • Dance Rods

    This routine contains dancing (any style) and Rod manipulation (flashing & twists) of equal balance by the minimum number of competitors in a team.  It combines the elements of both Rods and Dance in the one routine.

  • Character/Folk Dance

    This routine incorporates a series of dance steps to tell a story, developing rhythm, dance, storytelling and acting.  It can be based on characters or a national dance from around the world, performed and interpreted theatrically. Pupils are expected to display correct steps in unison, while also conveying character, agility and vitality.

  • Aesthetics

    A team performs graceful movements with roots in ballet.  Their task is to interpret music with feeling and softness, as reflected throughout their body and facial expressions.

  • Rhythmic

    Similar to Aesthetics, Rhythmic has roots in ballet and contemporary dance. Pupils must demonstrate correct dance technique, grace, and interpretation of a theme. Unlike aesthetics however, balletic jumps are permitted (and hence are often a feature) of rhythmic performances.

  • Rhythmical Aesthetics

    A combination of both Aesthetics and Rhythmic, where both items’ elements are incorporated into one routine. Emphasis is placed on graceful movement with elevated balletic dance steps. 

  • Song with Action

    Team members join together to present 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

    A team of pupils present 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.

  • Calisthenic 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.

  • Dance Arrangement

    A routine that combines interpretation of a chosen dance genre, focussing on developing spatial awareness, dance, elevation, expression and performance skills.