Learning the BJPop 2020 in 10 days

This August I am going to learn the 2020 BjPop dance. It's a special dance choreographed for all ages to be used as a display rather than competitive routine. 

Usually the juniors learn it during a holiday workshop and one year the ladies did it during a lesson. At my club's annual competition, physie girls and ladies are invited to do a mass display of the BjPop. Ladies stand at the back during club competition and follow the girls, because we often don't know it off by heart. 

This year, I am going to learn it properly and then memorise the BJPop using the SMART principle.

Read about the SMART method of goal setting applied to my 2016 goal here. 

Specific - BjPop 2020.
Measurable - End result = memorised the dance. 
Achievable/Actionable- Spend 10 minutes a day for 10 days.
Realistic - Yes, I can set aside time each day.

Timely - Sat 1st Aug - 10th July

2019 Competitions: Champion lady @ Zone (part 3/3)

Following the team competitions, the beginner, novice and intermediate ladies registered for the individual Champion Lady heats and received a participation medal. Grouping the heats was done in the usual process of lining up with our clubmates, then splitting off into equal heats. Initially, the Intermediate Ladies were grouped into 5 heats. However, we had to re-group into 4 heats of around 17 ladies in each! Once in our heats we drew playing cards for the marching order, but because each heat had more participants than anticipated, I missed out on a card and marched towards the back of the line.

That afternoon, I made it to the semi-finals. I was excited to hear my number selected since I hadn't made the semi-finals since 2016 as a beginner lady where I placed. I was in the front row for the Exercises routine in both heats and semi-finals. Luckily, I was most confident with Exercises so when we turned to the corner and no one was in my peripheral vision, I did not hesitate.

After the semi-finals, I didn't progress further. I ate more snacks and headed to the grandstands to watch the finals. What a spectacular day of physie! Well done to all the dancers, teachers, volunteers and supporters!


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Part 1: The lead-up
Part 2: Teams

2019 Competitions: Zone championships - teams (part 2/3)

The night before the team competition, the ladies class had a gathering for hair styling and nibbles. On the day we added a shiny hair accessory, put on our team leotard, applied matching lipstick and were ready for our final run through.

We walked on to the floor ready to start the routine on our team spots. Two floors were running simultaneously. Initially, I’d thought that the other floor was empty but then realised they must’ve choreographed a more elaborate walk-on. As always, the first 16 counts of the warm up includes walking/directional steps allowing teams to omit the original choreography for getting to their spots. Our team started on our spots and kept the choreography as if we were doing it individually.

This year, I was not in the front for the first time. It definitely was a different role in the back, attentively watching the whole team and aligning with the lady directly in front. After performing our five routines, we showcased a finale that one of the open ladies choreographed for our novice and intermediate teams. This was special since I’d only marched off in previous years with the team.


Read part 1 here

2019 medal collection

2019 competitions: The lead-up to the zone championships (part 1/3)

This year, my club entered 2 ladies teams: novice and intermediate. Most ladies were experienced in team competitions but we had a few new ladies joining physie or a team for the first time this year. Some ladies even gave the individual performance at club competition a go to prepare them for the team event.

In the month leading up to the team event, our club had the attendance sticker chart. Every time that we had a full team, we got a smiley face sticker to add to our tally. The older girls are usually the ones who win the attendace award, they did again this year. My team had 4 full practices. 

As usual, the ladies class had their gathering the night before the Zone competition for hair styling, nibbles and some bubbles too. It was a great way to calm our nerves before the big day.


Stay tuned for
2019 competitions: Team competition (part 2/3)
2019 competitions: Champion Lady (part 3/3)

2019 Competitions: Interclubs 1&2

This year's interclub competitions have come and gone. These interclubs were my first time competing as an Intermediate Lady and the bar was certainly set very high. It was wonderful to reconnect with some ladies from different clubs who had started as a Beginner Lady with me in 2016.

Interclub #1

This was my first time competing with this host club. It was held in a school's spacious sports hall on a Saturday afternoon. Including the host club, there were five clubs in attendance. The Over 50/60s category danced before us, it was a lovely and inspiring performance to watch. Physie is really lifelong passion.

Interclub #2

There were many participants at this interclub with some age groups split into 3 sections. The Intermediate Ladies category was split into 2 sections and I danced in the very last section of the day. Like the first interclub, I stood at the front for the warm-up routine. In the future, I will make sure to run to the back as I now know that I would be more confident to 'copy' the first routine. Despite not placing, I received a dark blue medal (usually 5th place). I think pink participation medallions must have ran out as we were the last section of the day.

Only 7 weeks until my Zone Competition.


Read about my 2018 Competitions here.

My New Leotard

Long-awaited garment (it has been 3 years since my last leotard order)
Eye-catching colours fill the floor
Options to wear non-leotards
Tight and form-fitting
Arrived just in time for interclubs
Remember my physie face
Dance to my heart's content

Physie leotards from different associations

The countdown is on!

The 2019 competition season is approaching. I've attended around 19 lessons this year and the practice competition at my club. This year is my fourth year of physie and I have advanced to the 'intermediate' category after 1 year as a 'beginner' and 2 as a 'novice'. The routines are the same as the novice category, but I am closer to becoming an 'open' which requires more balances and extension work. 







Competition countdown:

3-4 weeks until my new leotard arrives
5 weeks until Interclub #1
6 weeks until Interclub #2
14 weeks until Club Competition
16 weeks until Zone Competition

Read about my previous competitions here:

2018 Competitions: Zone competition
Club competition 2016 
2018 interclubs
Interclub #1 2016 (my very first interclub competition)

New Lycra!

I've been wearing my 2016 leotard to all physie occasions since I've started except for my first practice competition where F generously lent me her leotard and tights. Routinely, for the past three years I have entered the lollipop (practice) competition, two interclubs, club competition and zones. All together that's been 14 competitions which I have worn my trusty, shiny, bright, Eden style leotard. Thinking about it retrospectively, each competition (in addition any entry fees) actually had the added cost of attire. The leotard cost $87.50 and fishnets $45.00, that's nearly $10 for attire at each of my 14 competitions. A lot of physie clubs advertise its affordability compared to other dance styles which is true, however, if you're collecting different colours and styles then costs may add up. 

Leotard try-ons were last week and I'd managed to try all five leotard styles. Three years ago I would have been hesitant with a plastic clasp. However, three out of five styles this year had clasps. I tried on a few coloured bodystockings to gauge which colours were suitable. Despite trying on all the leotards, I ordered the style and colour which I had envisioned even before going to try-on day. I am looking forward to receiving my new lycra leotard soon. Secretly I hope that I go to nationals so that I can wear my leotard a sixth time this year. I guess I will schedule my next leotard for 2022!

2018 competitions: Club competition

A rainy afternoon set the scene for my club’s annual competition. Despite the weather, enthusiastic dancers and supporters welcomed the dazzling display of physie. The late afternoon to early evening event showcased the talents of girls from preschoolers to ladies. This year the ladies’ class had over 20 members with most participating in this event leading up to teams and champion lady the following weekend.

I enjoyed watching each age groups’ routines and seeing the girls grow up each year. This year also introduced a front facing audience. Although last year’s club competition had the audience to the front, they were seated well above eye level. With the audience in direct sight this year, it took a few moments to settle and focus at times. Little did I know that this was preparation for the following week’s zone competition also with an audience at the front. The club event had the annual men’s marching challenge where male friends and family participated in a round of marching. Their siblings, partners or family members made great instructors, teaching their men how to have nice pointed feet and stride to the music. This year I also had a go at the BjPop which is the association's leisure dance for all ages. Since the ladies had not learnt the choreography in class, a few of us stood in the back row and followed along. It was amusing and in a few moments we'd struck our end poses.

The annual march past where all girls and ladies wore a sash displaying the medals received during their physie careers was held during this day. My sash was embellished with eleven shiny medals and I would earn one more the following weekend with my novice team. As usual, I had labelled my medals with a sticker at the back. Afterwards, the club photo was taken. The evening ended with awards presented to age champions, best performances, marching champions and the overall club champion. Congratulations to all the girls and ladies who danced on the day.

Read about my previous competitions here:

Club competition 2016 
2018 interclubs
Interclub #1 2016 (my very first interclub competition)

2018 Competitions: Interclubs

On two consecutive weekends during August, I competed in interclub competitions and was awarded second place in both. Both of the events I attended were multiday competitions due to the ever-increasing popularity of physie and competition participation.

2 x 2nd place

On the first weekend, I competed in an interclub hosted by my own club. It was professionally set in an arena that I'd previously danced in. However, the last time I'd physied there, spectators were allowed to view from the front as it was not part of an interclub and therefore had different guidelines. Interstate competitors came from afar to take part in this event. It's amazing to see how physie brings people together.

The next competition was just six days afterwards hosted by another local club. We were seated on the side of the dance floor after our marshalling. While waiting and watching, I noticed that the first marker in the middle lane was deliberately closer to the judges compared to the other lines. For the last routine, I was dancing on this marker which made it feel like a solo as I had no others in my peripheral vision. Blue leotards were popular at this occasion. I'm now looking forward to my Annual Club Competition.


You may also like to read:
My lesson journal: May/June
Interclub #2 & Club Competition 2016
2017 Interclub competitions 

Watching the stars 2018

Welcome to the third instalment of Watching the stars, my annual review on the BjP syllabus training DVD distributed for girls and women around Australia to practise in their own homes. This year marks the start of web-streaming so you can view it from a range of devices. However, I do miss the lovely cover printed DVDs as memorabilia. The routines' names were watermarked in the corner which I found very helpful as the video was in one block of about eight minutes. Marching was also a special feature in this resource.

The ladies had two Melissas demonstrating the routines. Melissa R, the winner of the 2017 Open Over 33 section and Ladies Overall Champion performed the beginner-intermediate routine while Melissa D, last year's Elite Champion showcased the Open section. A few of the other girls on the DVD returned to filming after having previously appeared on it. Some have already gathered years of filming experience which I assume is quite different to a real physie competition - multiple takes, changing leotards, fuller makeup, learning everything in a few months and it's essentially a solo. Well done to all the performers on this year's DVD.

Interclub competitions have just started for the BjP School of Physical Culture and I'm sure other codes of physie are having their's too. With my first competition in a week's time, these final days leading up will be scheduled with several sessions of following the stars. In 'advanced' I feel a little bit awkward with the transference of weight in some transitional steps, but Melissa beautifully executed the routine with connection and smoothness throughout. Let's see if I can get the awkwardness out of my routines.

2018 BjP Syllabus DVD Performers

If you've enjoyed this blog post, you may also like:
Watching the stars 2017
Watching the stars 2016

Years from now: Goal setting

Having a goal journal means seeing your ambitions listed in black and white. Goal setting is a tool for life!

The physie year is starting soon so it's a great time to write out your goals for 2018 and beyond. Goals that are closer to now should follow the SMART principle which I've written about here in an older post. Also, check out my other posts from the self-improvement blog series.

Long-term goals (5 years and beyond)
I hope I'll maintain my strength, flexibility and stamina ... (and fit in my current leotard).

Mid-term goals (1-5 years)
Achieve seniors (possibly join a class and compete). For non-physie readers, 'seniors' is the syllabus for young ladies. It is more fast paced than the ladies and junior syllabi.

Short-term goals (this year)

• Try learning from DVD
• Hold planks, splits, balances, back bend/impulse
• Learn moves such as fan kicks, half pirouettes and leaps
• Do the best I can with the current ladies syllabus

This month's goals (will ultimately contribute to short/mid/long term goals)

• Continue to stretch achieving both splits
• Increase the time held for balances/planks by a few seconds each month

Let's apply my mid-term goal to the SMART principle:

Specific - Learn a complete seniors' syllabus.
Measurable - When I finish learning, memorise and execute the moves.
Achievable - Yes, I will work very hard.
Realistic - Should be, I'm progressing.
Timely - In a year or two.

It's simple to start your own journal or list of goals. If you already list your goals, good on you, or if you don't, why not start now?

2017 Interclub competitions

In my opinion, this year's interclubs went by very quickly and now classes are focusing on synchronicity for the team competition. As per BjP guidelines, clubs may only compete in two interclubs per year, I entered in both. Over two consecutive Saturdays, I travelled to school halls about an hour's drive from my residency.

Interclub #1 

As with last year's interclubs, the beginner and novice sections were scheduled as the last events of the day. The sun was setting as I looked beyond the louvres of the hall. This interclub consisted of fairly local dancers. We were treated with a generous warm-up space and provided with plentiful parking which took a lot of the stress away. I was able to practise in a mirrored room to music which accompanied previous ladies' sections. During marching, I gauged that grip on this particular floor was smoother than that of my usual venue's. Also, the music was louder than my usual setting's, I had to adjust to these differences. It was time for me to dance! I discovered that I had forgotten to focus on my five words and let my mind drift away until about the third routine. I had a great time doing my best physie. Eventually it was quite dark outside as ladies and their supporters headed towards the car park. 

Interclub #2

I was impressed with the dedication of the families who flew in especially for this competition. Unlike Interclub #1, the host had welcomed clubs from three different states. The school hall was packed with girls, ladies and their supporters resulting in a lot of standing audience members. After marshalling, we were seated for about one and a half sections (about 15 minutes). I've never experienced this before, even at zones we were able to actively stand up and keep our blood flowing. On the floor, I found the problem of comparing myself to others which meant I couldn't give my full attention on physie-ing. I will try to focus on my own dancing rather than watching others in my peripheral vision at the zone competition. As we marched off, I realised that strategically positioned sideways-facing chairs created a barricade so that dancers could have an aisle to exit. 

Overall, I was very pleased with my performances. I am glad that I had the opportunity to experience how different clubs run their events and to explore different venues. 

Practise performing

It is important to practise performing in low-stress situations such as practice competitions run by your club (affectionately known as lollipop/chocolate competitions) where you have the opportunity to perform in a familiar environment and with people you know. There are noticeable differences between dancing in lessons, at mock competitions, interclubs, zone and intra-club competitions. I once read that clubs cannot use their normal class venues to host an interclub. This provides a level playing field for all physie girls and ladies as competitors will not have had a chance to regularly dance at the venue. However, girls/ladies may have danced at the venue before for a biennial interclub or participate in other fitness activities at the chosen venue.

What's the difference between class and competition?

• time of day
• audience
• dancing with others (not from your own club) can be off-putting when they perform moves at a slower/faster pace
• expectations
• grooming
• venue and environment
• anxiety
• louder music (I only realised this last week at an interclub)
• the material of the hall floor (I also only just realised the impact of this on foot grip)
• harder to access drinking water & bathroom facilities especially when you're in a leotard

How can we create our own opportunities to mimic a performance/competition?

• wear competition attire to class (leotard, hair)
• perform in front of family and friends
• participate in opportunities given by the club (fete performances, showcases)
• participate in practice competitions
• enter yourself into a [talent] show (especially for girls in school)

For more tips check out Practice Makes Progress.

5 words for 5 routines

Two weeks to go until my first interclub for the year and for me that means only two lessons to go. By now routines are memorised and I do not have to think of what the next count is. With that being said, I still have to make sure that I maintain technique such as posture and pointed toes.

In this self-improvement post, I want to share with you how I will be simplifying my approach, dancing five routines with five memorable words. For several weeks, I asked myself what expression or message I wanted to convey with each routine. Now I have one word to focus on for each routine that will hopefully bring out my best dancing. This simple approach clears your mind so that you can be in the zone to dance. I highly encourage you to try this activity.

BjP 125

It only happens once every 25 years !!! Congratulations to all the performers, zone leaders, volunteers, families, supporters, archivists and event staff. Even though I didn't go to the show, the photos of the event looked marvellous. My personal favourite was the lighting display during the finale when the characters "BJP 125" were made by the arrangement of torch lights. What a beautiful example of how each person's contribution is integral in making something amazing and worthwhile.


Here are some links to media coverage focusing on BjP's rich history and the event:

Physie marks 125 years | photos (Newcastle Herald)

Wow, some of these photographs are truly a blast from the past! 

Combined celebration for physie at 125 (Tenterfield Star)


Weekend Breakfast ABC News 24

Watching the stars 2017

The new DVDs have arrived and practice competitions are underway! Each year the School of Physical Culture compiles a DVD of the syllabus featuring the age/category champions of their respective sections. Check out last year's post for more explanation.

It is a wonderful practice tool for practising between classes as both front (mirrored) and back views are shown. You can put on your own physie workouts in your lounge room! Usually in a class setting you would be simultaneously mimicking your teacher's moves which leaves little time to take in all the nuances. Viewing the DVD gives you a chance to sit back and analyse the champions' nuances. The performers are stars, they are role models within their club. I wonder how they felt when they were announced as champions and syllabus demonstrators.

After the DVD filming at the Foxtel Studios in Sydney, many become idols for the physie community and continue to inspire their fans. It is a noticeable trend that some go on to perform on the syllabus biennially (when they advance to the next age group bracket). Perhaps, learning the syllabus by the April filming date sets them on the path to perfecting the syllabus for the current year's championships thus propelling them into perpetual success.





Now, a bit about my observations on this year's DVD:

• A lot of flexibility - bendy backs, splits (excluding ladies), kicks 
• Strength - planks, V sits 
• Feet gripping on floor after splits/astride sit
• Nicole and Carly both presented the ladies' choreography with their own flair
• Special bloopers reel - pulling out wedgies 
• Nine beautiful performers. Is Carly missing from the cover?
• Spectacular physie from all the performers

1 month to go. Physie birthday celebrations!

The countdown clock has finally ticked down the last month before the BjP 125 Year Spectacular!

The Spectacular is a mass display telling the story of the Bjelke-Petersen School of Physical Culture's rich and evolving history. It can be likened to the Sydney 2000 Olympics display but this time instead of 800 performers there's 2000! Over 30 choreographers, and an army of behind-the-scenes helpers have created a 2 hour show capturing the talent and strength of physie performers. 

Girls and ladies from 16 zones across Australia are taking part in this great event (not to mention the families and supporters). They've dedicated their weekends to practices, learning new moves on top of their regular syllabus. Most zones have scheduled five compulsory rehearsals in the lead up to this event and the final dress rehearsal is the day before the performance.

However, getting 2000 girls from across Australia to Sydney for the Spectacular comes at a cost. To the teachers, parents and supporters who are volunteering their time and all the clubs helping to fund-raise to get their girls to Sydney, your efforts are truly appreciated. Thank you for giving the physie community a once-in-a-lifetime experience. While I am not participating, I have heard wonderful stories from my physie classmates and their daughters who are performing in this grand event. 

Catch all the action on Saturday June 24, 7:30pm at the Qudos Bank Arena (Sydney SuperDome). With a seating capacity of over 18000, it's not too late to get your tickets. Also, BjP (partnered with Cooper Teamwear) has a line of limited edition active-wear and merchandise for its 125th year birthday celebrations. 

Adversity and resilience in performance

From losing your footing to losing a hairpiece on the dance floor, adversity in performance is inevitable. Here's the newest post in the self-improvement blog series on how to deal with challenging situations and overcoming them.

Here are some undesirable situations that I'm sure physie girls/ladies can relate to:

• Sweat in your eyes
• Safety pins unclip 
• Memory lapse - forgetting the next move
• Hairpiece/jewellery falls off (seniors/ladies) 
• Muscle cramp

The aforementioned situations can hypothetically happen to anyone, so below is a collage of tips to deal with setbacks in performance (click to enlarge):