Calisthenics is a uniquely Australian sport which helps to develop discipline of mind and body, team work, a competitive spirit and a sense of commitment.

Calisthenics is a dynamic combination of Gymnastics, Dance, apparatus (Clubs & Rods) Marching, Singing and Acting. There are thousands of participants throughout Australia. Calisthenics has a strong focus o n deportment and presentation, helping participants to develop confidence in movement and performance and to enjoy the thrill of competing on stage in front of an audience several times a year.

Participants learn to appreciate and interpret different styles of music with different styles of movement and dance. There is a strong focus on flexibility, strength and control, grace and poise, expression through the body and the face and simply just enjoying different forms of dance and movement.

Unlike gymnastics, calisthenics competitions are held in a theatre - participants perform routines choreographed to music, on stage with costumes and lighting. Calisthenics is regarded as a team sport, but participants can also compete in solo and duo sections. The Graceful Calisthenic Solo is aligned with aesthetic and balletic movement and is intended to enhance the soloist's poise and grace, flexibility, appearance and presentation and the ability to interpret music into dance. Best Type Solo and Duo sections have a greater emphasis on jazz and contemporary dance and incorporates more gymnastic and strength work.

The Calisthenic Association of South Australia has clubs spread all over the state. As well as organising the annual Graceful competitions, May preliminary competitions, State Championships and Best Type Solo and Duo competitions, the Association provides all South Australian competitors with the opportunity to represent SA in one of CASA's state teams. Every year, the Association sends teams to the National Championships and to the Royal South Street Eisteddfods in Ballarat. Representatives audition for the chance to be involved in a team and those chosen enjoy competing at the highest level whilst working with the state's top coaches and developing friendships with competitors from all over the country.

(referenced from the the official CASA website: http://www.calisthenicssa.com.au/WhatIsCali.htm)

There are many different disciplines or routines that are taught in Calisthenics, which is why it is considered such a diversified sport. There are 'Core' routines, which are completed every year (March, Exercises, Clubs, Rods, Aesthetics), in addition to a 'Fancy' Item which CASA nominates one of the following for each age level, and rotates the choices accordingly. (Rhythmetic Aesthetics, Song & Dance, Song with Movements, Cali spectacular, Character folk and Cali Review).

Cali Tots complete Marching, Exercises & Fancy Item

Tinies complete Marching, Exercises, (if competitive, Rods) & Fancy Item.

Sub-Juniors, Juniors, Intermediates & Seniors complete Marching, Exercises, Clubs, Rods, Aesthetics & Fancy Item

CORE ITEMS 

FIGURE MARCH.

The value of correct deportment is highlighted in Figure Marching. The marching team must execute many intricate formations and patterns but the 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.

EXERCISES.

Freearm is a series of strong movements, correct in technique, involving high levels of flexibility and agility, demonstrating imaginative choreography and the physical capabilities of the performers. Control and uniformity of rhythm testing the girls' stamina, flexibility and timing, holding no apparatus.

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 opposite directions and positions. The length of the club varies from 30-45 cm, depending on the length of the arm. When holding the club beside the arm with the fingertips gripping the knob, the end of the club reaches 1 inch from under the arm crease.

ROD EXERCISES

Rods is another routine which uses an apparatus. In Rod Work, the basic detail for leg, foot and body work is as for Free Arm. The manipulation of this simple piece of equipment demonstrates the co-ordination 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. The rod is made of aluminium, approximately 5-10 mm in diameter. The length is taken from the centre chest to the end of the middle finger when the arm is in the Side Raise position, plus 30-50mm.

AESTHETICS

The Aesthetic section comprises a series of exacting movements, which must be executed with an air of refined elegance. Aesthetics is a ballet influenced discipline showing the team's ability to interpret the music in graceful movements. The music should be chosen to suit the particular age group. It should be soft and flowing, enabling a variety of facial and body expressions to be shown. Artistic groups, individual roles and abstract mime can also be introduced to add interest to the choreography.

RHYTHMIC DANCE INTERPRETATION

Rhythmic is based on a mixture of dancing and elevation. Rhythmic can be based on an Aesthetic style or Jazz style of dance as long as it includes many steps of elevation, body line, natural grace, dance quality, poise and interpretation of the theme. The dance can be set to a variety of rhythms. The soloists and chorus may portray the story or theme and create and atmosphere pertaining to the mood. Due to the strength and techniques involved, this routine is only taught in the older age groups.

FANCY ITEMS: these rotate annually as dictated by CASA

SONG AND DANCE

Song and Dance is where a team combines singing with modern and jazz dance steps. A high quality of singing, presentation, style and facial expression and technique of dance steps, must be demonstrated.

SONG WITH MOVEMENTS

Song With Movements is a routine where a team can present a musical item comprising of singing, acting and choreographed movements. The arrangement should incorporate a song, or a selection of songs and movements pertaining to the style and character of the presentation. Arrangements should be animated with combinations of groups and patterns, costumes and stage properties.

CALISTHENIC SPECTACULAR

Calisthenic Spectacular is a routine where teams are encouraged to combine many aspects of calisthenics plus dancing, singing, gymnastics, ballet movements, comedy and costume changes - all designed to make this a breathtaking routine. The routine should be equally balanced 50% physical exercises and 50% dance to the chosen theme.

CHARACTER FOLK DANCE

The original Folk Dance has been removed from the suite of items and it is now called Character Folk. Moving away from traditional Folk dancing, Character Folk tells a story via song, dance, mime and acting. 

CALISTHENICS REVIEW

These routines can combine dancing, singing, gymnastics, balletic movements, acting, comedy and more. Revue allows coaches great freedom in choreographic creativity, often resulting in items that are like miniature theatre productions.

reference NT Calisthencis website http://www.ntcalisthenics.org.au/about-calisthenics/calisthenics-skills