What is Calisthenics?

What is Calisthenics?

Calisthenics is a uniquely Australian artistic sport that combines dancing, gymnastics, ballet and apparatus work. It involves participants learning routines choreographed to music and presenting these routines on stage at competitions and concerts.

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 involves a team learning routines choreographed to music – each of about three to four minutes duration – and presenting those routines at competitions and concerts. Pupils learn 3 to 6 routines (depending on the age group) concurrently throughout the year, and this is what sets calisthenics apart from other types of dance. In addition to team work, participants can compete in solo and duo items.

Calisthenics can be categorised as both sport and art. 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.

Calisthenics is the perfect sport for those who want to do everything! The variety of dance genres performed in calisthenics gives students the opportunity to develop both strength and flexibility whilst performing a variety of routines reflecting classical ballet, gymnastics, modern dance, singing and acting. Some genres are performed annually and the remaining are on a rotational basis between age groups.