Let's get busy with physie

Hi readers,

Welcome to my blog! This is where I'll be sharing my journey into physical culture affectionately known as "physie". Physical culture is a unique Australian all-female dance sport which promotes fun, friendship and fitness suitable for girls from 3 years old through to ladies. There are several physie schools/associations in Australia with the oldest and most prominent being the Bjelke-Petersen School of Physical Culture or BjP Physie for short. Physie is hard to explain so the best way to learn more about it is to YouTube the routines of any association. Numerous club websites and social media profiles such as Facebook and Instagram also give great insight into this dance sport. Additionally, many clubs perform locally at community fetes which provide girls the opportunity to perform while also raising awareness of physie to the wider community.

My first lesson

This year I have decided to start dancing with a local club that teaches the BjP syllabus. This week I had my first physie lesson. Upon arrival I was greeted by the club secretary in the foyer of the school hall (most clubs use school or community halls). Then I went to the back of the hall where I met some of the ladies who would be in my class.

It was time for the ladies class. There was a variety of ages and experience levels which is a testament to the benefits and suitability of physie for all ladies regardless of age or ability. Firstly, we warmed up our muscles by doing a few stretches including pointing our toes. Then we proceeded to learn the first few counts of three routines: warm-up, swing and exercises. I also learnt some new terminology, the names of a few physie positions including heave, upward stretch, yard, neck rest and drag. The neck rest position has been in physie for over 100 years! After learning the initial counts of the routines, class was nearly over. We warmed down with static stretches and it was time to go. I can't wait until next week to learn the other routines.