This weekend, the Australian Calisthenics community witnessed something special in SA, and it was brought to us by the newly-formed Australian Calisthenics Theatre Company. A Symphony was a stage spectacular, a homage to the uniquely exceptional sport and art form that is Calisthenics, and it was also a statement to calisthenics community: we can build it and they will come.

From the moment ACTC was announced, we were promised something special. Festival Theatre, a live orchestra, and Tim Campbell! The announcements kept coming, and I’m here to tell you, the calisthenics performers not only rose to the occasion, but eclipsed it, stealing the show from Campbell in a multitude of moments.

Calisthenics is a multidisciplinary art form, and it’s true colours were on display in both blended form and discrete disciplines. We had to wait awhile for vocals, and while the presence of seasoned performer Tim Campbell was a thrill, nothing compared to the moment we heard the calisthenics’ own Ayanna Burgan-Minniecon’s crystal clear, dignified voice join him. Correction: she didn’t just join him, she matched him for power and didn’t miss a single note, filling the Festival Theatre with joy and pride.

Speaking of singers, Chloe Castledine and her partner Callum Campbell must be applauded – they are an act in themselves and made you feel like you were at the cabaret. Speaking to Castledine after the show, she was eager to hear whether she gave a good performance for the dancers and had as much post-performance joy and relief as the dancers themselves. I hope this is the beginning of a partnership with calisthenics that also includes Kym Purling and his orchestra – hail the return of live music to calisthenics!

The Principal dancers were the glue that held the show together. With an absence of narration, the dancers were the storytellers and the Principal dancers introduced it’s chapters. Sofia Lydyard brought a magnetic presence to the stage, seemingly appearing out of nowhere like sprinkling of magic and drawing you into the moment. At just 12 years of age, she certainly knows how to find these moments and hold the audience in them.

Solo performances from Ava Arnold, Jessie Benwell, Erin Domingo, Sophie Hamden and co. allowed us to experience their talent but also gave them an opportunity to hold the gaze of the entire Festival Theatre without the pressure of competition. I’m sure they will agree that performing with live music is a highlight, as you can truly feel each sound is being made for you as the dancer.

Sophie Hamden was the lady in red, and brought anticipation and wonder about ‘what’s coming next?’ Ava Arnold, Erin Domingo were definitely not her ladies in waiting – each held their own space on that stage. Every time Arnold entered, she reminded us we were here to experience joy as well as brilliance. Domingo was a counterpoise of strength and grace, and Benwell, well I’m renaming her BenWOW!

In recent years, more and more calisthenics participants have turned to other movement forms to elevate their technique and artistry. We witnessed this when we were treated to my favourite ‘chapter’ of the performance, a contemporary dance to Viva la Vida by Coldplay. This section brought the audience into the true emotion of witnessing this performance, and enabled the dancers to let go and feel it too.

The chorus consisted of dancers as young as 7, bringing an energetic feel that provided contrast to the more emotional moments. There was a traditional display of rods, clubs, aesthetic and that unmistakable ‘cali dance’ to well known ‘cali songs’ that didn’t feel done to death thanks to the orchestra’s interpretation. It wouldn’t have been a calisthenics show without a pivot, and with a little more warning, I would have clapped along Ballarat-style – although it wasn’t long before the audience sprung into action, applauding all the key moments and asking for more.

We already know these girls are the idols of younger performers, and you could see how special they felt to be dancing with them as they brought them into their world. No doubt their favourite moment was dancing with the older version of themselves, everything they aspire to be when they look in the mirror. Mobile frames were artfully used with performers mirroring each other and reaching beyond the frame, reminding us that each generation of calisthenics reaches new heights when opportunities are provided to reach for the stars.

There were a few moments like the ten metre red dress and the heavenly appearance of sets of clubs that left us wanting more, which I think we’ll get. Look out, here they come, from now on, this is Calisthenics!

Hayley Simmons

bethehumanelement

Images belong to the Australian Calisthenics Theatre Company

Postscript. Hello SA? Hello the world! Congratulations to Brooke Brown, Rebecca Norsworthy and their team of people that made this moment in calisthenics history happen. With coverage from Channel 9, ABC Adelaide, Hello SA and 10 News First, we hear that the next stop is Netflix.