Photos: Melton Calisthenics Club girls at 2009 Djerriwarrh Festival Parade.
Where we practice
About Melton Calisthenics Club
Melton Calisthenics Club is a friendly non-profit calisthenics club established in the 1970s. We are always looking for new members of all ages. We have our own studio outfitted with mirrors, heating & cooling, indoor toilets and office & storage space. As such, we are able to keep our costs down.
Our studio
We also run a number of enjoyable social fundraising events each year such as shopping tours and trivia nights, and many of our girls from all age groups march in the annual Djerriwarrh Festival Parade.
Melton is a competitive club, with pupils performing in around 4-5 competitions per year, and we also have an annual concert. Girls have the opportunity to perform in competitions at professional theatres such as the Clocktower Centre in Moonee Ponds and the Geelong Performing Arts Centre.
We currently have four qualified level 1 coaches, one cadet, and several dedicated assistants. We have classes for all ages, ranging from our Tinies who are 3+, up to our new Masters class for those aged 26+. The first two classes are free, so come along and join in the fun!
New pupils are always welcome - age 3-63+!
YouTube video - "Calisthenics: Strength & Beauty"
What is calisthenics?
Calisthenics is an artistic sport unique to Australia, and is a great alternative to dancing. Calisthenics offers routines choreographed to music and performed on stage in costumes.
Pupils learn several routines in their weekly class. These can incorporate modern dance, singing, acting, exercises with and without apparatus, marching, simplified ballet, and modified gymnastic movements. Calisthenics truly has something for everyone!
Benefits of Calisthenics
Calisthenics offers many benefits to the participant: core strength, flexibility, confidence, rhythm, music appreciation, friendship, fun, co-ordination, grace, improved memory... in fact the list is endless!
The wide variety of calisthenics items
Each year girls will participate in a combination of some of the following items, depending on their age group and division:
Figure MarchTeamwork and deportmentWhile the marching, the team executes many intricate floor patterns, deportment and uniformity. Teamwork and rhythm is very important in this item as the team moves around the stage in complex patterns and formations. |
Free ExercisesFlexibility, control and uniformity of rhythmA team of pupils perform a series of strong movements involving high levels of flexibility, control and uniformity of rhythm. Routines test pupil's stamina, flexibility and timing and have become more challenging and complex over time. |
RodsApparatus control and manipulationA team of pupils perform similar movements to free exercises, with the added complication of an apparatus in their hands - that a long rod which is manipulated constantly throughout the routine. |
ClubsCoordination and rhythmTeams are required to swing clubs in unison with perfect rhythm and uniformity in a circular action. The test has become more challenging over time with pupils often being required to move through team formations and execute leg movements, as well as perform intricate club swings. |
AestheticsGrace and expressionA team performs graceful movements. Their task is to interpret music with feeling and softness, as reflected throughout their body and facial expressions. Click here to watch a video of Aesthetics and Rhythmic on YouTube |
Folk DanceDances from all over the worldNational Dances from all over the world are performed and interpreted theatrically. Pupils are expected to display correct steps in unison, while also conveying national character, agility and vitality. This item is also performed mostly by younger age groups. |
Action SongSinging, acting and dancingTeam members join together to present a musical item comprising singing, acting and choreographed movement. This item is performed by the younger age groups. Click here to watch a video of Action Song and Song & Dance on YouTube |
Song & DanceSinging and modern jazzA team of pupils present a routine that combines singing with modern dance jazz steps. Adjudicators place heavy emphasis on the quality of singing, presentation, style, facial expression and the correctness of dance steps. Click here to watch a video of Action Song and Song & Dance on YouTube |
Calisthenic Spectacular, Stage Presentation
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