A Kiama/Shellharbour Physical Culture club has been competing against some of the best in the state.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Lakeview Physical Culture Club is a not-for-profit dance club.
The club has operated in the Shellharbour City/Oak Flats area for more than four decades, and expanded to Kiama in 2012.
Head teacher and Kiama resident Tracey Hoyt said the club typically hosts one inter-club competition each year.
The latest one took place at The Pavilion on Sunday.
About 250 competitors across clubs from areas such as Dapto, Ulladulla, Glenfield and Bella Vista, and spanning ages from four to over-50s took part.
“It went really well, we got a few placings,” Mrs Hoyt said.
“Inter-club competitions can bring out the best in everyone.
“Shyness gives way to confidence, increases focus, determination and enthusiasm which continues through to school, uni and work.
“Teachers have the ability to encourage the girls while working within their individual and personal abilities to achieve the best that they can be.”
The Kiama event also provided a warm-up for the ‘Champion Girl’ zone competition, which will take take in Dapto in September.
“We tend to do okay there,” Mrs Hoyt said.
“We usually get a few girls through to nationals, even though we’re only a small club compared to the bigger ones.”
Lakeview Physical Culture Club’s syllabus combines dance, yoga and gymnastic techniques.
The choreography is designed to develop flexibility, grace, fitness and strength for women and girls of any age.
Ms Hoyt said the teaching emphasis was on being inclusive.
“The basis is on just having fun, getting fit and learning new things,” she said.
“Physie is about empowering girls with the skills to become confident, strong women.”
Ms Hoyt said that “Physie has been around for 150 years and has changed a lot”.
“We’re trying to get the word out that Physie has changed, and there’s a lot more variety in the choreography,” she said.
“It’s a lot more contemporary-based, a lot more yoga-based, and has definitely moved with the times.”
Ms Hoyt said the club was looking to expand Physie within the Kiama area, and increase awareness.
“When you say a dance club, some people think it’s a dance school and a business.
“It’s not; it’s non-profit.
“We can struggle to get the word out. It’s word of mouth, through the schools, and girls talking to their friends saying how good it is.
“Physie creates friendships with people from different schools, backgrounds communities and even states.
“One of the rewarding things about belonging to a Physie club is the friendships that are formed. You work together in a team, perform side by side and are always encouraging each other.”
For more information, visit the www.lakeview-physie.com/ website.