History

Calisthenics as we know it today descended from Physical Culture activities during the Victorian Gold Rush era.  It's aim was the promotion and enjoyment of physical fitness, and still is today.  Exercises were often combined with apparatus to keep wrists and elbows, flexible and supple. The dum-bells and hoops of those times are currently replaced by the clubs and rods we use today. Performances are enhanced by the accompaniment of music and has developed the sport into beautiful stage performances.

In the 1880's public classes began. In 1903, the Royal South Street Society first introduced calisthenics to its famous Eisteddfod in Ballarat, Victoria. The competition still attracts clubs from Victoria and South Australia and is the main focus for many clubs in Australia. In the 1930's calisthenics was introduced into the Victorian state schools. Now, in the 21st century Australian Calisthenics is nation wide with national competitions being held in different States. There are approximately 300 calisthenic clubs across Australia, attracting approx' 15000 participants.  Victoria and South Australia are the primary regions, with numbers growing continually.

The artistic sport as we know it today is uniquely Australian.  It combines elements of gymnastics, dance, ballet, marching, club swinging, rod twisting, singing, national folk dancing, theatre and stage production into intricate and entertaining team performances.

        
Photographs kindly donated by Heidelberg West Calisthenic Club - 1976