FAQS

If your question is not answered below, or you would like to join one of our classes, please contact us .

What is Calisthenics?

Calisthenics is an Australian Dance Sport recognised by the Department of Sport and Recreation. With elements of ballet, gymnastics and equipment work, it provides a range of dance styles that promote rhythm, coordination, strength and teamwork.

What classes do Athena offer?

Please scroll to the bottom of the page for details of our classes. Our recreational Tinies (age 3-5) classes accept new members year-round. New members in our competing teams usually join us in Term 1 or Term 4. We offer free trial classes, in Terms 1 and 4, for newcomers. We run year round from early February to November. Find more details in ‘Teams’.

How much does it cost?

We are a not-for-profit organisation run by volunteers so costs to our members are kept to a minimum. Our recreational class (Tinies) is $10 on a pay-as-you-attend basis. Our competing sections pay fees 3 times a year that cover most associated costs (including all training, costume hire and competition entry fees). Total annual fees for competing members vary from $750 (Sub Juniors) to $930 (Seniors). Discounts are applied for whole term payments at Tinies (10%) and for siblings throughout the club ($15 per term).

How much does it cost to join in Term 4?

We offer a great deal in Term 4 for new members. Term 4 runs for 6 weeks. The first 2 classes are free then it is just $50 for the remaining 4 weeks. $15 is for insurance provided by CAWA (see below). In addition to the 2 free classes, if your child returns in Term 1, $35 will be credited to your fees. This makes all Term 4 classes entirely FREE!

Is there any cost assistance?

Athena Calisthenics Club is registered with Kidsport. A funding contribution is provided to eligible and approved applicants. This is currently $150 per year. Click on the Kidsport Link for more information and to apply.

What qualifications do the coaches have?

All our coaches and cadets are trained and accredited under Australian Calisthenics Federation programs. The Level One Coaching Program is a compulsory national program, recognised by the Australian Sports Commission, which must be completed to enable a person to coach calisthenics. All our coaches are trained in First Aid and are compliant with Working with Children’s Check card requirements. All our coaches are, or have been, competitors in the sport and have been involved in Calisthenics from a young age.

Is there any insurance?

It is compulsory that all our members are affiliated with the Calisthenics Association of Western Australia (CAWA) at a cost of $65 (competing) or $35 (recreational) per year. Term 4 affiliation, for newcomers, is $15. This provides full insurance cover. New participants, taking up our offer of Free classes* in Term 4 must pay this insurance fee to us. It is then passed on in full to CAWA.

Is there a membership fee?

Athena Calisthenics Club has an annual membership/volunteer levy of $80 per family (competing) or $40 per family (non-competing). We actively encourage volunteering and provide opportunities to earn this money back through volunteer work throughout the year. Members with year-round volunteer commitments are exempt from paying the membership/volunteer levy.

How do I pay?

We have a variety of payment options with bank transfer being preferred (BSB 066-167 Acc 10163395). Card payments can be made directly from invoices through Xero. We also have a portable card reader which can be made available. Payment queries can be directed to athena.cali.treasurer@gmail.com

What do volunteers do?

Our club could not operate without volunteers. All members have the opportunity to contribute in a variety of ways. Year-round roles include committee members (president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, ordinary members), team managers, wardrobe coordinators, Facebook coordinator, Website manager, uniform coordinator, equipment coordinator, CAWA theatre management representative, Cali Skills coordinator, promotions committee, events team. Nominations for these roles are requested in Term 4 in preparation for the following year. New volunteers are encouraged and supported in getting involved. Occasional roles include help at camp, canteen rosters, theatre roles such as ticket sales, doors, time-keeping and marshalling. We also sometimes ask for volunteers to relieve team managers, prepare food platters for competition days, or to join in with costume trimming busy-bees. All volunteer work results in exemption or credit of the membership/volunteer levy. Volunteer preferences can be expressed on our registration form.

How do I register my child?

Before you attend the first trial class you can register for Athena via our website, or the link the contact person has sent to you. When you attend the first free trial class we will ask you to complete a CAWA Affiliation Form. After the second free class, if you decide to continue, the CAWA Affiliation fee (see Insurance above) will then be due for payment to CAWA.

What equipment do participants need?

Calisthenics equipment requirements are a rod, set of clubs and a practice aesthetic skirt. These are provided for Tinies participants and those on a trial period. Second hand items are often available. We have an ‘Athena Buy, Sell and Swap’ members only Facebook page. Rods are $5 (this cost covers the aluminium rod itself and for it to be covered with rod tape for performances and competitions). Clubs are around $40 new and half the cost for second hand. Skirts are $45-50 new and around $20 second hand, depending on condition.

Is there a uniform?

We introduced our stunning new uniform design in 2017. Competitors are required to have a jacket (2020 price $65) for when they go on stage. Other items are optional. Polo shirts are popular ($35). Backpacks and sports bags are around $60 and can be personalised at no extra cost. We try to hold stock so that sizes are available for try-on. Our ‘Athena buy, sell and swap’ Facebook group may also be a source of pre-loved items.

When do the teams perform and compete?

There are opportunities throughout the Calisthenics year for members to perform/compete. These include the ‘Taste of the Stage’ concert for Sub Juniors in March, State Competitions for all competing sections in July/August and September, the Athena Family Concert in August and ‘Future Stars’ concert for Tinies in October. Please use our upcoming events calendar for specific dates, or refer to the CAWA website.

Where are competitions and concerts held?

All competitions are held at CAWA’s fully equipped Swan Park Calisthenics Theatre in Midvale. CAWA charge entry fees for audience members. Competitions are organised and run by CAWA volunteers. Opportunities to volunteer at CAWA competitions are available through Athena.

What other opportunities are there in Calisthenics?

Graceful Girl Solo competitions and gradings (age 10+) take place in April and May and Physical Solo and Duo competitions (age 5+) take place in November. Both are by personal arrangement with coaches and are at additional cost. State Team Trials for National representation take place for all age groups (Sub Juniors, Juniors, Intermediates and Seniors) in November. Cali Skills exams are available for those who have opted to take classes for this in Term 4. From test 1 at age 7 right up to Gold Medal standard, participants can learn and be examined in correct Calisthenics technique and terminology. Becoming a cadet or demonstrator is also an option for competitors from their final year as Juniors. This allows them to assist with younger teams and begin their own journey to becoming a coach. All training is paid for and participants receive a termly training allowance to assist them in carrying out this role.

What are the benefits of Calisthenics?

Calisthenics is a sport that you can be involved in from very young right through to an adult. It develops fitness, coordination and concentration skills. Team commitment and camaraderie is a strong element and life-long friendships are formed. The range of disciplines allows participants to develop a wide skill set and to be comfortable in some and perhaps more challenged by others. Coaches are skilled at continuous development of each girl and building routines around the capabilities of each participant and team. All routines and music are age-appropriate and often inspired by movies, musical theatre and the classics including ballet. Participants have the opportunity to thrive in an environment of positive discipline surrounded by strong role models resulting in resilience and confidence, from a young age and right through the tricky teenage years and beyond. Athena Calisthenics Club is committed to building strong family community and involvement and values the contributions made by its volunteers.

How old is Athena Calisthenics Club?

Athena Calisthenics Club was founded on December 11th 2001 after the amalgamation of the Northside and Stirling Clubs.

Why are we called ‘Athena’?

The word ‘Calisthenics’ comes from the Greek ‘kalos’ meaning beauty and ‘sthenos’ meaning strength. Athena is a Greek goddess, daughter and favourite child of Zeus. Our logo Pegasus, the winged horse, lived on Mount Olympus in the care of Athena. She is said to have trained and tamed him.

How is the club run?

Athena Calisthenics Club is a not-for-profit organisation. We are affiliated with the Calisthenics Association of Western Australia (CAWA) and the Australian Calisthenics Federation (ACF) and governed operationally by them. We are incorporated in our own right and we work under a constitution (set of rules) which was updated and approved in February 2019. We are legally governed by the WA Department of Mining, Industry Regulations and Safety. As an employer of coaches, we are regulated by the State Industrial System. The Club is run by a volunteer committee consisting of a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Head Coach and up to 5 Ordinary Members. The committee is newly elected at the Annual General Meeting each year. Each section of the Club is looked after by a volunteer team manager. Costumes are organised by a volunteer wardrobe coordinator.