About calisthenics
Disciplines
The different disciplines incorporate elements of dance,
gymnastics, ballet, marching, apparatus technique (rods and clubs),
acting and singing.
While primarily a team sport, there is also the opportunity to
participate in solo and duo competitions with
friends.
Your child will learn between 4 and 6 routines concurrently
throughout the year and this is where the diversity of the sport is
seen.
Figure March
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Through marching, the team displays intricate figures and
patterns whilst highlighting good deportment and uniformity.
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Free Exercise
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The team performs a series of strong movements involving
flexibility, control and uniformity of movement. Pupils operate
with 'free arms' meaning they hold no apparatus.
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Rod Exercises
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Similar movements to free exercises are performed, with the
added complication of manipulating a long rod constantly and
quickly throughout the routine.
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Club Swinging
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This is probably the hardest routine to perform correctly. Teams
are required to swing clubs in unison with perfect rhythm and
uniformity in a circular action.
Younger age groups may first practice club swinging with lighter
flags that are easier to manipulate.
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Aesthetic Exercises
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Graceful and balletic movements are performed in this item.
Teams are expected to interpret music with feeling and softness, as
reflected throughout their body and facial expressions.
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Fancy item
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This is a generic term that covers a range of different
dance-type routines. Typically a theme is chosen and the aim of the
item is to portray a story to the audience.
The type of fancy item performed is rotated each year and can
include folk dance (performing the national dance of a country),
song and dance, song and action (combination of singing and free
exercise) or stage medley (combination of singing, dance and free
exercise).
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