Calisthenics Items

Core Items

These items are performed each year. Sub-juniors to Seniors perform all 5 Core Items, Competitive Tinies perform March, Exercises and Rods and Demonstrations Tinies only March and Exercises.

March

A team displays intricate marching figures and patterns, while highlighting good deportment and teamwork. Similar to that seen of 'Marching Girls' rhythm and precision within the team must be identical and is a basic requirement. A well-choreographed item will display many complex patterns.

Clubs

Club Swinging is the most difficult skill a calisthenic participant will learn. It requires no special physical attributes, just pure determination, and practice. A team is required to execute complex swings in unison with perfect rhythm in a planing action. Advanced routines include moving through various patterns and executing leg movements.

Exercises

Probably the most physically challenging and impressive to watch. This item is performed with no apparatus and is a cross between traditional calisthenic type movements (lunges, squats, arm raises, etc.) gymnastic tricks (such as headstands, backbends, and walkovers). flexibility and balance work. Younger sections start with simple basic movements that must be correct in detail and uniformity. As the item progresses through the age groups, it becomes more challenging depending on the competitors’ strength and abilities.

Rods

Based on similar movements to 'exercises' with the added challenge of manipulating a long rod. Rods are very much like twirling baton you just don't throw and spin them. Although the rod is the focal point, the manipulation of this apparatus while demonstrating flexible use of body and legs, highlights the concentration and co-ordination required by the performers.

Aesthetic

Aesthetic is a graceful form of dance, like Ballet and Lyrical. Performers usually wear long flowing skirts and interpret music with a variety of facial and body expressions. Movements should be soft and flowing while maintaining poise, strength, and at times demonstrate flexibility. Arm and feet positions are taken from Classical Ballet with a softer feel. Elevation is not permitted. Meaning that both feet are not to be lifted off of the ground at the same time.

Fancy Items

Of the following, only one Fancy Items is performed at competitions each year. The item to be performed in any given year for each age group is advised by the Calisthenics Association of SA (CASA).

Song and Dance

Combining singing with modern dance, it is important to make sure the theme of the song is carried through to the style of dance steps, and costume choice. Equal weight is placed on both the singing quality and correct dance technique. Therefore, the choreography should include an equal balance of singing and dancing. Overall presentation, facial expression, and style, also play a key role in presenting a successful Song and Dance.

Character Folk

Students learn and perform basic steps of a traditional national dance from all around the world or a dance which portrays characters through expression, dance movements and costume.

Rhythmical Interpretation

Like aesthetics, with the addition of leaps and jumps and a distinct storyline with a beginning, middle and end. Rhythmical interpretation is performed in the Intermediate and Senior ages groups only.

Rhythmical Aesthetic

Like aesthetics, with the addition of leaps and jumps. Rhythmical interpretation is performed in the Intermediate and Senior ages groups only.

Calisthenics Revue

Creativity and entertainment are the keys to Calisthenics Revue which allows great freedom in choreographic creativity. Items are often complex and clever and can represent mini productions. Routines can include a combination of any calisthenics items presented in clever costuming and should delight and entertain the audience. A key feature of a Calisthenics Revue is to tell a story through the utilisation of calisthenic technique.

Dance Arrangement

A routine that combines interpretation of a chosen dance genre, focusing on developing spatial awareness, dance, elevation, expression, and performance skills. This items is performs by Juniors, Intermediates and Seniors only.

CASA Item Rotations

2024 Item Rotation

2025 Item Rotation

2026 Item Rotation