Calisthenics takes centre stage

Many children might be involved in gymnastics or dance classes for the physical, mental and social benefits they bring.

But calisthenics provides a unique style of performance that gives benefits children carry throughout their lives.

Children perform between four and six different items such as apparatus, gymnastics style, ballet, song and dance, and marching.

These elements are combined to create a stunning team display, which can be performed at competitions theatre-style with lights, costumes, visual projections and props.

Unlike dance or gymnastics, calisthenics requires all members of a team to work as a team to use skills and theatrics to tell a story in a competitive environment.

Greater Valley Calisthenics coach Tahni Gook said the sport had performance at its heart and helped students develop into “strong, confident leaders” through friendship and teamwork.

“Calisthenics inspires performers to take centre stage today and throughout their lives,” she said.

“It is a safe and supportive environment, fun for the parents and enjoyable for them watching their child develop confidence and ability once it culminates on stage at competitions.”

Tahni said the physical nature of the sport helped children develop cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, strength and power.

“Its benefits, however, don’t just stop at physical, as there are so many traits of a calisthenics performer such as discipline, teamwork, confidence, grace and poise which they take through their lives even after they have finished their involvement.”

Every child has the opportunity to be involved, from younger children with less complicated and short routines, to older children who have intricate routines that test their strength and endurance.

However, each child is accommodated in every class and in every routine, from the shy absolute beginner to the experienced and outgoing performer.

"We find that the children who are shy are nurtured to find their own level of self-confidence and shine on stage, enjoying their time being active with friends they make along the way,“ Tahni said.

She said parents were supported by the club alongside their child, with information sessions and a safe, fun and supportive environment.

“(It’s) fun for the parents and enjoyable for them watching their child develop confidence and ability once it culminates on stage at competitions.”

Practice at Greater Valley Calisthenics happens once a week, with competitions taking place between two and five times a year.

They range from local competitions to bigger ones in Echuca, Ballarat, Bendigo and Melbourne.

As the sport is uniquely Australian, there aren’t any career or international performance options as such, but students can still continue performing at the highest level.

“However, the transferable skills will assist no doubt in ability of a child to progress as an adult in their chosen career,” Tahni said.

Students can perform at championship level or even try out for the Victorian State Team, who compete at national championships around the country.

Tahni encourages any parent who would like their child to try calisthenics to get in contact with Greater Valley Calisthenics for a free ‘come and try’ session for their child’s age group.

Contact the club via the Greater Valley Calisthenics Facebook page, website www.greatervalleycalisthenics.com.au/home/ or email info@greatervalleycalisthenics.com.au