A Queensland calisthenics club is striving to keep a unique Australian sport alive by encouraging children to explore the sport with artistic flair.

By Jessica Hinchliffe October 2015

Rosemore Calisthenics Club is the only club in Brisbane that practises the performing art.

Calisthenics is unique to Australia - it's an Australian only sport.

Coordinator Michele Pink

Also considered a sport, calisthenics has been performed in the southern states for decades, first originating in Australia in the 1890s as a means to keep people fit and healthy.

Calisthenics became increasingly popular in the Victorian gold rush, and the sport then spread to nearby South Australia.

Australian calisthenics combines ballet, modern dance, gymnastics, theatre and singing into synchronised routines in groups.

PHOTO: Young student Scarlett Handy spins quickly as she practises her routine at training. (612 ABC Brisbane: Jessica Hinchliffe)

Rosemount Calisthenics Club coordinator Michele Pink said the local club hoped to elevate the popularity of the sport in Queensland.

"The variety that this sport gives the girls always sees them doing something different," Ms Pink said.

"It has been more well-known in Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia, but it has taken awhile to get better known here in Queensland.

"Calisthenics is unique to Australia— it is an Australian-only sport."

PHOTO: Young student Scarlett Handy has her hair in ribbons as she practises her steps. (612 ABC Brisbane: Jessica Hinchliffe)

PHOTO: Young student Sara Pink prepares to practise calisthenics in Hamilton, north of Brisbane. (612 ABC Brisbane: Jessica Hinchliffe)

Practising at all ages

There are currently eight clubs in Queensland compared to more than 100 clubs in Victoria.

Ms Pink said the sport was often geared to young girls in the 1970s, but the sport now caters to all ages and genders, with some members well into their 60s.

"Children can start as little as three years old... through to seniors, who are 16-years plus, and then we have masters which is 26 and over," she said.

"Some of the people in the masters can be in their 50s and 60s and we see that here in Brisbane."

PHOTO: Young students begin practise with stretches and dance. (612 ABC Brisbane: Jessica Hinchliffe)

The sport is often mistaken for the popular 1980s form of calisthenics that uses body-weight for training.

Ms Pink said some of the elements were used in Australia Calisthenics training.

"We use exercises from the 1980s calisthenics with a lot of core work, but it is more about the routine," she said.

"The key with it is it to get the girls synchronised on stage with their movements so that it looks like you are on stage looking at one girl.

"The timing and the execution of the movements are important."

PHOTO: Gymnastics are included in the sport with handstand practise high on the list. (612 ABC Brisbane: Jessica Hinchliffe)

A lifetime of exercise

Ms Pink now teaches many of the younger members after she trained in the sport for more than 20 years.

"I started when I was four years old and went through till I was 24 and it was all I knew growing up," she said.

"It is such good fun and I enjoyed performing and it teaches you so much more, including commitment, team work and the camaraderie.

"You all have to work together because it is not about one person, it is about a team.

"We want to get more people involved in calisthenics and once many people get involved they get hooked."

PHOTO: Young student Sara Pink practises with her new batons. (612 ABC Brisbane: Jessica Hinchliffe)

PHOTO: Calisthenics equipment including costumes, instruments and batons packed up after practise. (612 ABC Brisbane: Jessica Hinchliffe)