What is Calisthenics?
If you are looking for a physical activity for children that complements their childhood development, you really can’t go past calisthenics
Rachel Holdway – Primary school teacher and calisthenics coach
Calisthenics is an amazing team-based dance sport that builds both skills and confidence. It encourages physical growth, coordination, self-discipline and team spirit.
“Calisthenics has everything!” says Rachel. “And I’m always amazed at the confidence that grows in these young people. Often they come as shy and unsure. By the end of a year with calisthenics, they have come along in leaps and bounds and can perform so many skills on stage with confidence. This is a great life skill that is such a huge requirement in all aspects of school and work.”
Rachel says that the major aspects are co-ordination, fun and fitness.
As a sport, calisthenics encourages physical development, coordination, self-discipline and team spirit. As an art, calisthenics develops an appreciation of music and rhythm, the beauty of line and the excitement of presenting on stage.
Calisthenics Routines
Calisthenics involves a team performing choreographed routines on stage at competitions held throughout the year. Routines are between 2 to 4 minutes long and each age group performs between 4 and 6 routines.
Calisthenic items include:
- A tight precision march
- Apparatus manipulation routines involving clubs and rods
- Highly energetic and rhythmic gymnastics-like routines called free exercise
- A ballet-style dance called aesthetics
- And a number of highly entertaining items often viewed as mini stage productions – Cal Revue, Character Dance, and Dance Arrangement.
Starting calisthenics at an early age helps enormously with a child’s development. They develop flexibility, poise, grace, fine motor skills, strength and agility. Many children also have the opportunity to incorporate singing and acting into the syllabus, developing self-confidence and character!