I LOVE Calisthenics. To put it simply; I love everything about calisthenics, and although I love all items, my favourite item is Aesthetics. Aesthetics is an item that has its roots in ballet and is primarily structured around the ballet positions and movements. Adjudicators look for grace, poise, softness and fluency of movements. The extension and the placement of arm and footwork are essential, and although fluidity is involved, all movements must look placed and thought out.

Aesthetics is an item that needs to look like it doesn’t stop moving, it needs to flout, and without stopping each arm, foot, toe and finger must hit and move through each position. Pupils need to through the movements without stopping in any particular position.

Another vital component of aesthetics is interpretation. I particularly enjoy this aspect of this item. And I think this sets it a little bit apart from ballet. Although there is a lot of interpretation in ballet, I believe there is way more room to move with interpretation and emotion in aesthetics. On the critique sheet, the adjudicator looks for sensitivity, style, sincerity of expression through the use of face, body, head and good use of eye contact.

Aesthetics can use any type of music but usually is a soft piece that allows the pupil to portray emotion through the movements. Often it is possible to recreate particular stories with music, and often with younger pupils, it is best to use a piece of music they are familiar with and know the story too. It is very hard sometimes to teach emotion and interpretation, and often younger pupils need to watch the older girls to understand what they need to do.

There is nothing better than watching a beautiful routine that makes you smile or tear up and gives you shivers down your back and goosebumps on your arms. And of course, the best thing about aesthetics is the stunning costumes, beautiful makeup and amazing hairstyles and hairpieces.

By Laura Singleton

Intermediate Coach and Master