What is Calisthenics?
WHAT IS CALISTHENICS?
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 is a unique artistic sport. It combines dance, gymnastics, singing, apparatus manipulation and ballet. It involves a team of pupils learning routines choreographed to music – each of about three to four minutes duration – and presenting those routines at competitions and concerts. Pupils learn approximately six routines concurrently throughout a year and this is where the diversity of the sport is seen.
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 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 on a rotational basis between age groups.
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CALISTHENICS ITEMS |
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CORE ITEMS Depending on the age group, these items are performed each year. |
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FIGURE MARCHING The value of correct deportment is highlighted in Figure Marching. The marching team must execute many intricate formations and patterns, but deportment is the single most important factor and must be maintained strictly at all times. The uniformity in style of each marcher is another basic requirement and the rhythm and precision within the team must be identical. Ideally, the marching formations should be original and varied throughout the performance. As with all Calisthenics items, teamwork is essential. |
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FREE EXERCISES Free Exercises is a series of strong movements, correct in technique, involving high levels of flexibility and agility. Imaginative choreography and varied movements (eg. backbends, walkovers, leg mounts, splits, cartwheels etc.) demonstrate the physical capabilities of the performers. |
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CLUB SWINGING Club Swinging is one of the routines in which an apparatus is used. It involves the swinging of clubs in unison with perfect rhythm in a circular movement using both hands to swing the clubs in various directions and positions. It demands coordination, concentration and many hours of practice. An accomplished team can execute complex movements as each club swings through a perfect circle on an imaginary plan and teamwork is essential. |
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ROD EXERCISES Rod Exercises also uses an apparatus. The manipulation of this simple piece of equipment demonstrates the coordination which can be achieved. Whilst the rod itself is the focal point, the use of the body and legs are incorporated into the sets of exercises. |
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AESTHETIC EXERCISES The Aesthetic section comprises a series of movements which are soft and flowing. Music is chosen for its variety of mood and tempo, but more particularly to facilitate the flow of the routine and the expression of the performers. Elevated movements are not permitted. Artistic groups, individual roles and abstract mime can also be introduced to add interest to the choreography. |
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FANCY ITEMS One of the following items is performed at competitions each year. The item to be performed in any given year for each section is announced by the Calisthenics Association of SA (CASA). |
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RHYTHMIC Within Rhythmic, turn-out, arm, foot and head positions are as for Aesthetic Exercises, however elevation is the essential component (eg. movements such as jete, grand-jete, cabriole and pirouette). The dance can be set to a variety of rhythms and interpretation of a theme is expressed throughout the dance through music, costuming and the use of mime and possibly principal dancers. |
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SONG AND DANCE Throughout this type of presentation, singing and dancing must be evenly balanced, with the theme of the song carrying through and influencing the dance. The type of dance performed is optional and the Coach has unlimited freedom in the choreography of steps and movements. |
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CALI REVUE Creativity and entertainment are the keys to this item. Items are often complex and can represent mini productions. This item combines many aspects of calisthenics such as singing, dancing, acting and clever costuming all designed to entertain the audience. All movements and music are chosen in pertinence to the chosen theme. |
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CHARACTER FOLK This item is based strongly around a theme and the team's ability to portray the character of their theme through dance. Correct technique, uniformity and interpretation are all important in this vibrant item. Mime, acting and creativity bring this item to life. |
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DANCE ARRANGEMENT This item is purely a dance section. Choreography is limited only by the Coach’s imagination. A routine that combines interpretation of a chosen dance genre, focusing on developing spatial awareness, dance, elevation, expression, and performance skills. |
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INDIVIDUAL ITEMS Calisthenics is predominantly a team sport, however team members can also compete individually as soloists or in a Calisthenic Duo. Solos and Duos are a great way to develop confidence and performance skills as well as extending the skills learnt in team items. |
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SOLO The Calisthenic Solo is performed by one student and must contain half dance and half physical movements. The routine is often centred around a theme and is tailored to show off the strongest aspects of a student's abilities. |
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DUO Calisthenic Duo is performed by a pair of students. Similar to a calisthenic solo, it must contain half dance and half physical movements, whilst also containing partner work. It is a fun way to perform on stage with a close friend, outside of team work. |
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GRACEFUL SOLO Graceful Solos are often inspired by ballet and contemporary dance. The routine comprises of aesthetic and rhythmic movements and is designed to enhance the dancers grace, poise and ability to interpret music. |