Phoenix Calisthenics Club

The word calisthenics comes from the Greek words ‘kallos’ for beauty and ‘thenos’ for strength

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Calisthenics is a uniquely Australian sport for children of all ages. Calisthenics combines the finest 

points of sport and art. As a sport, it encourages the physical development, fitness and co-ordination,

self-discipline, confidence and team spirit. 

Calisthenics teaches different artistic dance disciplines across six dance items.

• Gymnastic movement

• Modified ballet

• Marching

• Singing, dancing and acting

• Club swinging

• Rod twisting   

 

 All work is carried out in teams – normally from 6 -16 children.  The routines are choreographed to music and are intended to develop co-ordination, flexibility, grace, deportment, team work and confidence.  The following description of each discipline may assist you to understand our sport.

 

1.Free Exercises (minimum of 6 in a team)

Choreographed exercises using smart arm and footwork combined with gymnastic movements set to music.  Aimed at developing strength and flexibility of the body.

 

2.Rod Exercises (minimum of 6 in a team)

The children use an aluminium rod, which is cut to the correct length.  The rod is manipulated while performing similar movements to those done in free exercises.  Rod work is patterned to show artistic ability and precision.  A unique aspect of Calisthenics, which improves co-ordination, control and balance.

 

3.Club Swinging (minimum of 6 in a team)

Also unique to Calisthenics.  Two wooden clubs are swung in unison to the rhythm of the music.  Intended to develop rhythm, co-ordination, control and deportment.

 

4.Aesthetic Exercises (minimum of 6 in a team)

Simplified ballet movements set to music intended to develop grace, elegance, poise and the use of expression.

 

5.Deportment March (minimum of 6 in a team)

Creation of various patterns while marching.  Aimed at developing and strengthening deportment, poise and body discipline.

 

6.Fancy Items (minimum of 6 per team)

Only one fancy item is performed each year – on a rotation basis. The coaches will advise once classes start which fancy item your children will be performing in 2015. Examples are: Song and Dance, Calisthenics Spectacular, Stage Medley, National Folk Dance

 

Who is Calisthenics for?
Children from 3 years to 17 years can participate and enjoy Calisthenics at Phoenix.

They are involved in many areas including:

• Participation

• Coaching

• Team managing

• Costume designing         

• Committees                                                                                       

 

The Benefits
While the sport is spectacular to watch, it has much to offer its participants. From a very early  age the children develop self-discipline, teamwork and high self-esteem. Physical fitness, a healthy lifestyle, confidence, loyalty and a strong emphasis on camaraderie are also integral  components of Calisthenics

 

Taken from CAWA

Calisthenics is widely practiced in Australia and is recognised as a fun and healthy way to keep fit for children of all ages. It is a uniquely Australian sport which requires discipline of mind and body, team work, a competitive spirit and a sense of responsibility.

Calisthenics, whose roots lie in games originating in Ancient Greece, is the combination of Gymnastics, Ballet, Folk Dance, Jazz Ballet, Apparatus (Clubs and Rods), Figure Marching, Mime and Singing, Its assets are many, involving many thousands of young children across the country, improving their health and deportment and widening their musical knowledge. They are learning to appreciate the cultures of other ethnic groups and are adding to their skills by the use of apparatus, enjoying the mental and physical stimulation of a figure march and the discipline of working as part of a team.

 

Mission Statement

“ To promote healthy, physical, mental and social involvement of Calisthenics to the Western Australian community”.

 

Summary of Values

1. Supporting and encouraging all members to develop and perform to the best of their ability.

2. Foster an environment whereby the physical and emotional needs of all members are paramount.

3. Equality of all members and potential members.

4. All operations are transparent whilst still respecting privacy issues.

5. Promoting consideration, respect, good sportsmanship at all levels of Calisthenic involvement.

6. Constantly evaluation and meeting the changing needs of our customer base.

7. Managing at all levels with integrity, acceptance of goals, trust, solidarity.

8. Making consultative decisions for the majority.

9. Promoting a lifestyle that is not only healthy, but also drug and smoke free.