Calisthenics is a unique Australian sport that was invented in Australia in the early 20th century and has continued to evovle since. It was originally introduced in Victoria around the gold-rush times, originally called "Physical culture", designed as a way of keeping city dwellers fit (for both men and women). At this stage it involved simple gymnastic formations with some apparatus items but was very different to the calisthenics we know today.

It soon evolved into a competitive sport, and gradually spread around the nation, mostly introduced by ex-girls from Melbourne clubs. The sport has seen many changes over time as different apparatus and other gymnastic items were experimented with. As pointed out above, Calisthenics even used to involve males, up until around the 1930s. The directions which Calisthenics started take would eventually force them out, as more aesthetic, balletic, and dance-like items were introduced. It should be noted that Victoria (perhaps becuase it is the origin of calisthenics) has had the largest influence on the sport and it's direction, probably because most of the the decisions and hard work to promote the sport came about because of just a few hero "Visionary" women, all from Victorian clubs.

Calisthenics is not yet recognised or practiced anywhere outside Austalia. You may have heard of the term "Calisthenics" used in American or European literature, there it simply means following a series of simple exercises (like stretches) involving the optional use of hand apparatus (although not the same hand apparatus as Calisthenics here). This form of Calisthenics was used in war times in Milatary drills as a way of keeping soldiers fit, and continues today, being treated much like Yoga and Pilates,ie another exercise technique for keeping fit.

For a more definitive history of Calisthenics in Australia, you may wish to read Lynne Hayward and Jean Wotton's Book, "An Insight into Calisthenics" (Hayward & Wotton, 1995 available through hayward@netlink.com.au).

Calisthenics today

Calisthenics today is a competitive team sport resembling a cross between gymnastic-like display items and ballet. The performances usually involve a group of 8 girls, all required to be in syncronisation with eachother throughout thier piece. Calisthenics is widely practiced across Australia and is enjoyed by girls of all ages. Perhaps one of the greatest features of Calisthenics is its wide age range. Girls can start participating at the age of 3, and it is not uncommon for girls to go on participating well into their 20's and early 30's. Girls compete in their age groups, which, although differ slightly across each state, are approximately as follows:

Age Age Group Name

3-4 "Tinnies"
5-7 "Missies"
8-9 "Sub-Juniors"
10-12 "Juniors"
13-15 "Inters"
16+ "Seniors"

In addition there are usually also divisions or grades within each age group, eg Blue division, Gold division, etc, to split up the different skill levels. This allows those who are of a higher skill level to compete together, and also gives those of a lesser skill level a chance.

The Many Benifits of Calisthenics

The benifits to the young girls who participate in Calisthenics are surely many. It is a sport that provides a healthy and fun way for girls to improve their fitness, whilst increasing their self-disciplene and self-confidence. It can greatly enhance a girls' deportment, improving their poise and grace.It improves flexibility, agility, stamina, dance ability and ability to interpret music.It increases their co-ordination through the use of hand apparatus, and increases their awareness and appreciation of other cultures through foreign dance interpretation.

It gives girls the joy of performing in front of others, and all the things that go with it - costumes, make-up, sets and bright lights! It gives the girls the important the experience of teamwork. And finally for many it is a great place for meeting new friends, all with similar interests! As they say, "Calisthenics is everything!"

This page (c) Andrew McQueen 2000. Last Updated 8/11/2000