Building confidence and strength at Physie
Have you ever wondered what the Physical Culture world is all about? Other than digging the awesome outfits I’ve seen local competitors wear, I myself, was curious, so I thought I’d delve a little more into the sport.
I caught up with Director of East Orange Bathurst Physie, Kate Burge who has been in operation for seven years after opening her own school, once the old Orange club had closed. It was 2019 Kate had then incorporated Bathurst into the mix.
Physical culture known by many as ‘Physie’ is a dance sport that fuses ballet, jazz, hip hop, contemporary and even yoga. It has a national syllabus which means every girl and lady in Australia learns what you learn.
It’s said that a common misconception about Physie is that you have to be ‘super’ coordinated to start. Kate squashed those rumours by stating, Physie ‘teaches’ coordination.
“It is great for building confidence, increasing strength and flexibility and increasing coordination all while having fun with friends.”
“I have been part of BJP Physie since I was a child and loved growing up in a supportive and caring environment,” said Kate. “I learnt so many skills that has helped me throughout life and I wanted my daughters and our community to have the opportunity to also be part of a ‘Physie family’ as well.”
EOBP member Dearne, started physie in 2020 after watching her daughter the previous year, she explained, “I thought it would be a different way to move my body rather than going to the gym or walking. I had visions of high hair, fake tan and bright leotards. I remember my first class, we were asked “why we had joined physie” and my response was that “2020 was my year for fun and adventure”. Starting physie in the year of Covid, was actually full of fun. I’ve met loads of passionate women, worked on my posture and flexibility, grown in confidence and purchased a few too many pieces of lycra.”
Whilst Physie is based around regular class and competitions Kate emphasised the club is about much more; it’s about community, families and friends as each member becomes a friend and family for life.
Kate added, “Our students inspire me so much! From our little two-year-old’s in their first dance class through to ladies returning to Physie or trying Physie for the first time, seeing them grow and develop and watching their love of Physie grow each class is so beautiful to see. Also being part of the joy when they master the skill they have been working so hard on, or making a new friend, these are the moments that keep our teachers going.
“Our club also wouldn’t be possible without the tireless efforts of our teachers who volunteer their time to learn the syllabus and then teach and support us the entire year.”
The EOBP club learn the same five dances for the entire year and work hard to perfect them for their big competitions in October and November.
“At Physie, we definitely dance. Most of the time we dance. But we also have a lot of amazing club days where we do activities that allow children to develop their character, which allows their confidence to shine through. The girls and women at EOBP build amazing friendships that are lifelong.”
You can find updates on events on the ‘East Orange Bathurst Physical Culture Club’ Facebook page.