On May 1st and 2nd I competed at the Calisthenics Victoria State Championships. It is the final competition at the end of the Victorian solo season. “Calisthenics Solo and Duo items provide an opportunity for Calisthenics Performers, who are part of a team and club, to learn a routine on their own, or with a friend in duos, and perform at competitions held in the first half of the year, throughout Victoria.”

A Graceful Solo must have a balance of aesthetic movement, elevated dance steps and dance - it’s a little like ballet. A Calisthenic Solo or Duo Item must have a balance of calisthenic physical work (similar to gymnastics) and dance. I competed in the 13 year old Open Calisthenics Solo and Graceful Solo sections and came first in the Calisthenics Solo and Second in my Graceful Solo.

“Calisthenics offers a unique combination of dancing, singing, gymnastics and technical skills for girls, boys and women. Calisthenics develops strong, confident performers through teamwork. Discipline and technique, grace and poise are fostered in a fun and friendly club environment, where families can connect and performers can develop skills, and friendships, that last a lifetime.” (From Calisthenics Victoria website)

I am the fourth generation to participate in calisthenics in my family: my mum, my grandmother, and my great grandmother also participated. I participate in calisthenics because it's what I love. It's such a big part of my life and even though there is so much hard work involved it's such a rewarding sport. The sport has evolved over the years and more of the history can be found here: http://calisthenics.asn.au/about-us/our-history/

The amount of support I get from all of my family is incredible and I'm so thankful for all the hard work they do to make it possible for me to train and perform, especially all the sewing of costumes that my mum does. This is my 7th year of calisthenics. I started at the age of 7 at a local club in Geelong and have been selected for the Victorian State Team twice. I travel to Melbourne three or more times a week to train, as training can differ in hours and days depending on what competitions are coming up. I am now training for team competitions that happen during August to October and a national competition in July in Queensland where I will be performing both of my solos and a duo.

Taliah Eastgate 7JTD