Calisthenics is uniquely Australian and promotes team work, self confidence and friendship. Calisthenics involves a team of participants learning routines choreographed to music, incorporating elements of dance, gymnastics, singing, acting, marching, ballet, apparatus technique and performance skills.
As a sport, calisthenics improves co-ordination, mobility, balance, strength, flexibility and posture as well as fostering self-esteem and team spirit. As an art it encourages an appreciation of music, rhythm, the celebration of movement and the excitement of performing on stage.
The word Calisthenics comes from the Greek words ‘kallos’ for beauty and ‘thenos’ for strength. There are different levels of Calisthenics, some clubs are recreational and perform only at their end of year concert. Other clubs perform during the year at a number of competitions, on stage in costumes.
Diamond Creek Calisthenics is a competitive club.
Calisthenics promotes a healthy body and a healthy mind. Being part of a team develops self-discipline, teamwork, commitment, responsibility, self-esteem and lasting friendships. The combination of movement and performance skills provides fitness, coordination, rhythm, grace, deportment and confidence.
In particular the exercise and flexibility components promote the development of muscle tone, spatial awareness, motor concepts and sensory integration. They also enhance the pupil’s general fitness, body awareness, vestibular development and directional skills.
The dancing and singing components of calisthenics promote the development of memory, hand-eye
co-ordination, laterality, music appreciation, moving and thinking skills. They also combine rhythm, auditory skills, vision and smooth motor movements and improve body awareness, directionality and social awareness.