Solo and Duo Competition
While calisthenics is primarily a team sport, your child may participate in a solo (individual) or duo (2 participants).
All members are encouraged to perform a solo, duo, or both! Your child's coach can help you decide if your child is ready for this opportunity.
Skill development
Not only are solos and duos lots of fun, they enable our members to improve their skills through one-on-one time with a qualified coach.
A solo and duo performance is an arrangement to music. The performance is timed between 2 to 3.5 minutes (depending on age). Participants display 50% dance and 50% physical movement (free arm).
Solo and Duo season
The Calisthenic Association of WA (CAWA) Solo and Duo Competition is held in late October or early November. Participants generally start training in September.
Age groups
Participants compete in age groups. If your child chooses to participate in a solo and a duo with a child of a different age, they may compete on 2 days. For duos, the oldest child's age determines the age group they compete in.
Competition dates
The CAWA Solo and Duo competition is held annually in October and November. To find dates, times and ticket sales, refer to the CAWA website Solo and Duo competition information.
Your child also has the option to perform their solo at the Applecross Eisteddfod. The Eisteddfod for 2024 will be held from 11 October to 13 October at the Swan Park Theatre. You can find more details about the Applecross Eisteddfod on the Applecross Calisthenic Club website.
Find a coach
If your child would like to participate in a solo or duo, you should take the initiative and approach a coach well before the season starts. If you can't find a coach, contact us and we will try to assist. We are keen to offer this development experience to as many members as possible.
Coaching costs
Discuss payment with your child's coach. Payment is usually due to your coach before competitions begin.
Training hall hire
Your child's coach will assist with booking an appropriate hall. Hall hire fees are the responsibility of parents as solos and duos are run independently of our college. Often we will facilitate the booking of halls for our coaches and members and invoice parents accordingly.
Costumes
Many costumes are available for hire within our college and throughout the association. If you are interested in hiring a costume you must plan and get in early as good costumes can go quickly. Whether hiring or purchasing a costume, your coach should be involved in the process.
For costume hire, check out the Facebook group, WA hire - calisthenic costumes.
Entry forms
Entry forms for the competition are available through the CAWA website. Parents must submit their child's entry form before the closing date.
Your child's college fees need to be up to date for your child to participate.
Training expectations
Your child's coach will let you know the training requirements and schedule.
The preparation time for this competition is limited so your child needs to take responsibility for learning their items. To get the full benefit of a face-to-face training session arrive between 15 to 20 minutes before your child's training start time so they can stretch and prepare.
It is expected that your child sets aside time at home to practice their routine and for duos, it's a good idea that they meet with their duo partner at least once between set training times with their coach.
Your child's coach may encourage you to video the routine at training to make home training more effective.
Solo and duos and the Calisthenic Skills Program
A specific level of achievement in Calisthenic Skills is required for children who seek to participate in a physical solo or duo at the National Championships. For more information, talk to your child's coach and refer to our information on the Calisthenic Skills Program.
