Club Handbook www.delsante.com.au

Welcome to Del Sante Gardens Calisthenic College. We hope that you enjoy your time as a member of our club and that this booklet will be a valuable guide for you.

WHAT IS CALISTHENICS? Calisthenics is a competitive and unique Australian sport that promotes fun, fitness, co-ordination and discipline. It involves a combination of figure marching, exercise, gymnastic movements, apparatus technique, aesthetic and song and dance movement. Although generally a team sport, there are many opportunities for students to achieve their ultimate potential by being involved in solo/duo work and calisthenics skills levels (exam work). Students may also be eligible for selection as a South Australian State Representative to compete in interstate competitions. "COMMITMENT" is the key to become a successful Calisthenics student. The Calisthenic Association of South Australia (CASA) is the governing body of calisthenics in South Australia. You can access more information on their website: www.calisthenicssa.com.au. CASA work in conjunction with a national calisthenics body, Australian Calisthenics Federation (ACF) and their website is https://www.calisthenicsaustralia.org/

CLUB EMAILS Executive Committee – [email protected] Secretary – [email protected] Treasurer – [email protected] Merchandise Co-ordinator – [email protected]

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CALENDAR February: - Del Sante Gardens AGM - Team allocations March/April: - Del Sante Graceful Competitions - club volunteers will be needed. - This club-run competition may instead be held in October, depending on theatre availability and CASA consent. April: - CASA State Graceful Competitions May: - CASA May Competitions – compulsory (except Tinies) - Innovation Tinies Competitions – coaches discretion June: - Del Sante Gardens Mid-Year concert - compulsory July/August: - Royalty Theatre practices - compulsory July/August/September: - CASA State Team competitions - compulsory September: - Del Sante Gardens Annual Concert - compulsory October - Del Sante Solo/Duo Competitions - club volunteers will be needed. - This club-run competition may instead be held in March/April, depending on theatre availability and CASA consent. November: - Pupil Skills Exams - CASA AGM - National team selections - CASA State Solo/Duo Competitions - DSG Annual Trophy Presentation 3

DEL SANTE GARDENS CLUB HISTORY - Del Sante Calisthenic & Dancing College was established in 1968 by Rosaria Day. The best students were selected from Rosaria’s two calisthenics clubs (Kooyong and Port Adelaide) and competed as ‘Del Sante’ at the Royal South Street Eisteddfods in Ballarat. - Rosaria believed the various facets – calisthenics, classical ballet, gymnastic, jazz and tap – complemented each other, so all were offered at Del Sante. - The name ‘Del Sante’ was suggested by Jill Williams in a ‘club naming’ competition, after the Frenchman who first combined dance and fitness calisthenics into the artistic Australian sport we know today. - In 1977, Rosaria retired and the Calisthenics College was taken over by Michelle Capel, who remained the Principal Coach of the club for another 41 years. - In 1986, Del Sante Calisthenics (Henley & Kooyong Clubs) amalgamated with Woodville Gardens Calisthenics to form Del Sante Gardens Calisthenic College. The Del Sante Gardens’ club song was then created:

“It’s not where you start, it’s where you finish. It’s not how you go, it’s how you land. At Del Sante Gardens, We are a team, Of girls who like to take the test And go on stage to do our best. Our friendship is strong and it’s rewarding – rewarding When we hear the audience applauding – applauding It’s not where you start, it’s where you finish, And we’re gonna finish on, Who’s gonna finish on? We’re gonna finish on top!” - At the end of the 2017 calisthenics year, Michelle retired from the Principal role but still remains an integral part of the Del Sante Gardens coaching team. We now warmly welcome Sarah Stephenson into the Principal Coach role at the club.

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AGE GROUPS as at 31 December of each year st

Tinies (Non-competitive) Tinies (Competitive): Sub-Juniors: Juniors: Intermediates: Seniors:

3-7 years old 5-7 years old 8-10 years old 11-13 years old 14-16 years old 16 years & over

- TINIES (NON-COMPETITIVE) – also called Tiny Tinies Tinies (non-competitive) are taught the basics of Calisthenics, and learn three routines: Figure Marching, Free Exercises and a Fancy item. They perform these three items at our two club concerts and as a noncompetitive demonstration at the CASA State Championships. - TINIES (COMPETITIVE) Tinies teams are taught four items: Figure Marching, Free Exercises, Rods and a Fancy item, which is rotated on a yearly basis. They perform these items at our two club concerts and compete in the CASA State Championships. - SUB-JUNIORS Sub-Junior teams are taught five items: Figure Marching, Free Exercises, Rods, Clubs and a Fancy item, which is rotated on a yearly basis. They perform these items at our two club concerts and compete in the CASA State Championships. - JUNIORS, INTERMEDIATES & SENIORS These teams are taught six items. Figure Marching, Free Exercises, Rods, Clubs, Aesthetic/Rhythmical Aesthetic and a Fancy item which is rotated on a yearly basis. They perform these items at our two club concerts and compete in the CASA State Championships.

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CLASS INFORMATION - ATTENDANCE Being a competitive sport it is imperative that your child attends class each week. The key to success is to practice as a team. The team cannot achieve a successful practice if the whole team is not present. Classes are usually maintained during the Term 1 and Term 2 school holidays leading up to the competitions. All extra practices, including stage practices, are compulsory. - If your child is ill please telephone the coach or at the very least get a message through to another team member. - If a parent is unable to get their child to class, we ask that they contact another member or coach and make arrangements to transport your child to class. - If your child does happens to miss a class, every effort must be made to catch up on the missed work in your own time before the next class, to allow the next lesson to continue progressively. - ATTIRE It is expected that each student will arrive at class properly dressed and groomed. A black leotard may be worn and flesh colour stockings, crossover or tight fitting black top can be worn in the cooler months. No baggy windcheaters or t-shirts to be worn. Hair, including fringes, must be tied back off the face in a bun. Class attire and accessories can be purchased from the places below (sometimes Kmart and Target have a small range of leotards). DSG merchandise order forms will be emailed out to all families at the start of the year or you can contact our Merchandise Coordinator. DANCE FX 152 Unley Road, Unley PH. 8272 2668 www.dancefx.com.au

THE STAGE SHOP 3 Leigh Street, Adelaide PH. 8231 9554 www.thestageshop.com.au

DANCE FX 502 North East Road, Windsor Gardens PH. 8266 0666 www.dancefx.com.au

CALI GIRL http://www.caligirl.com.au/ THE CALISTHENICS SHOP https://www.thecalisthenicsshop.co m.au/

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- COACHES Please visit our website www.delsante.com.au

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- CODE OF CONDUCT (see website for full Code of Conduct) It is expected that each student makes every effort to arrive at class before commencement to warm up. Lesson time is valuable and must not be wasted. Students and parents are to respect other team members, coaches and assistants. Please respect the halls that we use, clean up after yourselves and pack away any used chairs and tables. All members and/or families sign the club’s Code of Conduct policy upon registration. - HOT WEATHER POLICY In line with Sports Medicine Australia recommendations the following policy has taken into account that Calisthenics is predominantly conducted as an indoor sport in controlled and supervised environments. If the forecast the previous night predicts that the temperature on the practice day will be over 36oC, non-air conditioned halls will have their lesson cancelled. If the forecast the previous night predicts that the temperature on the practice day will be over 40oC, air conditioned halls will have their lesson cancelled. If lessons are cancelled then a notice will be posted on our private Facebook page.

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- PRACTICE HALL LOCATIONS  Flinders Park Primary School Hall – Corner of Hartley Road and Holbrooks Road, Flinders Park  Flinders Park Community Centre – 167 Grange Road, Beverley  Lockleys North Primary School Hall – Brian Street, Lockleys (off Rowells Road)  Flinders Park Church Hall – Corner of Franklin Ave and Drake Ave, Flinders Park  SCOSA – 100 Woodville Road, Woodville

- STAGE PRACTICES – ROYALTY THEATRE Nearing the State Team Competitions, there are compulsory Royalty Theatre practices. This is the stage that teams will compete on so it is beneficial for the students to become acquainted with it, especially those students who are new to calisthenics. Stage practices are hard to obtain due to all clubs needing equal stage practice time. Because the demand from all clubs is quite high, the allocated times can be quite early, nevertheless, with a bit of organisation every team benefits from a stage practice.

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COMPETITIONS - SOLO All students are welcome to do solo performances. Please approach your team coach and let them know you are interested in doing a solo, and they will assist you in finding a coach. Performing a solo is one-on-one tutoring with the coach, which will bring out the capabilities of your child and help to develop an independent thinker and a more confident stage performer.

GRACEFUL – This item displays the very soft balletic side of Calisthenics, performed in a floor length circular skirt. SOLO/DUO – This is a combination of flexibility and dance – aiming to show a versatile performer.

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DEL SANTE GRACEFUL/SOLO/DUO COMPETITIONS Each year we run our own competitions as a major fundraiser for the club. This competition is usually held over a 4 day weekend and relies on the volunteering help of its members. The club will run either a Graceful Competition in March/April or a Solo/Duo competition in October, depending on theatre availability and CASA ruling. Students from clubs all over Adelaide enter these competitions as a chance to perform their routines on stage before the CASA State Graceful or CASA State Solo/Duo Competitions. - OTHER CLUB SOLO COMPETITIONS Other clubs hold their own solo competitions throughout the year. Please speak to your child’s solo teacher to determine which competition to enter. - STATE GRACEFUL COMPETITIONS This competition is run by CASA in April. All competitors first perform their graceful routine in a ‘heat’ and are then allocated into a particular division for the finals (at a later date). At the finals they perform their routine for a second time and the competition concludes with the presentation of awards winners. - STATE SOLO/DUO COMPETITIONS This competition is run by CASA in November. All competitors first perform their solo or duo routine in a ‘heat’ and are then allocated into a particular division for the finals (at a later date). At the finals they perform their routine for a second time and the competition concludes with the presentation of awards winners.

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COMPETITIONS - TEAM -

CASA MAY TEAM COMPETITIONS These competitions are held at the Royalty Theatre in May each year, for the Sub-Junior, Junior, Intermediate & Senior age groups. At May Competitions, teams are given a critique sheet, points and placings to help the students and coaches prepare for the State Championships in July/August/September. Each team performs 3 items only and wears a plain black leotard. Coaches will determine whether to use the club’s black leotards (with a hire fee), or students own. Before the competition commences, the team will meet at an allocated place where they will have their hair styled, stage make-up applied and will run through their work. The team may be required to have a spray/fake tan. What to bring: - HAIR – Hairspray, gel, hairclips, hair bands, own brush, tail comb and hair nets. - MAKE-UP is supplied by the club but please supply your own if you have any skin allergies. - REMOVE ALL JEWELLERY - CLUBS OR ROD - AESTHETIC SKIRT – if required

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CASA STATE TEAM COMPETITIONS These competitions start each year in July through to September and include all age groups. Each team performs their items on stage in full costumes. Teams in each age group (except Tiny Tinies) are given a critique sheet, points, placings and the overall aggregate winner is announced. Tiny Tinies are non-competitive. Before the competition commences, the team will meet at an allocated place where they will have their hair styled, their stage make-up applied and will run through their work. The team will likely be required to have a spray/fake tan. What to bring: - HAIR – Hairspray, gel, hairclips, hair bands, own brush, tail comb and hair nets.

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- MAKE-UP is supplied by the club but please supply your own if you have any skin allergies. - REMOVE ALL JEWELLERY - CLUBS OR ROD - ALL COSTUMES & HEADPIECES IF NOT COLLECTED BY COSTUME LIAISON

- BALLARAT TEAM COMPETITIONS Each year the club and coaches assess whether teams would like to go to Ballarat to compete at The Royal South Street Society against other interstate clubs. This is usually done with a parent survey. Families travel to Ballarat and stay in accommodation together. This is a wonderful opportunity for the families and team members to enjoy time as a club.

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CONCERTS - MID YEAR CONCERT This concert is held at The Royalty Theatre in June each year. All teams are involved in this concert. It is a progressive concert of team work that allows the students the opportunity to perform on stage, gain confidence and show their parents and families what they have been learning. It is also an opportunity for the coaches to assess their work and finished costumes. Not all work and costumes will be finished at this concert. - HAIR – Arrive with hair already done according to coach’s instructions, please bring hairspray and extra hair clips. - MAKE-UP – Arrive with make-up already done. Foundation, blush, brown eye shadow, mascara, red lipstick. Please bring lipstick. - CLUBS AND ROD - Light snack (nothing oily) and a water bottle

- ANNUAL CONCERT This is an evening not to be missed as it is our final showcase for the year with all teams performing in full costumes. A DVD of the full concert will be available to order on the night. - HAIR – Arrive with hair already done according to coach’s instructions, please bring hairspray and extra hair clips. - MAKE-UP – Arrive with make-up already done. Foundation, blush, brown eye shadow, mascara, red lipstick. Please bring lipstick to reapply through the night. - CLUBS AND ROD - Light snack (nothing oily) and a water bottle There are usually fundraising raffles and a nominal fee to watch the students perform at concerts.

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COSTUMES We have a large variety of leotards in our costume wardrobe that are used, often with little or no change to the costume. A hire fee is charged when a club costume is used. Many people at Del Sante Gardens are happy to help you out with costumes – whether you want them to fix up the costume (at a cost) or you would like them to teach you some new skills! Please speak to your team’s Costume Liaison or Coach for more information. Also, if you have any clever ideas or talents that could assist with costumes or props, please make your suggestions known as they are very welcome. - BODYBOARDS Bodyboards are flat timber cut outs in the shape of a body. The purpose of this is to stretch the leotard to the approximate size of the student. This will ensure the correct spacing of sequins to minimise any overlap and sequin loss when being worn. These are available in many different sizes and can be purchased from dancewear shops or online (listed at the back of this booklet), or possibly second hand from the club (please post a message on our private Facebook page). - BODYSUITS or BODYSUIT KNICKERS When students are participating in concerts/competitions and are having many costume changes, a bodysuit or bodysuit knickers are recommended for their own comfort and privacy. These can be purchased at dancewear shops or online (listed on the back of this booklet). - COSTUME LIAISON Each team has an allocated Costume Liaison person. The costume liaison is a voluntary position, so co-operation and consideration from all parents is expected. This person works closely with the coach and wardrobe mistress and organises costumes, trims and instructions on how the coach wishes leotards to be trimmed. Parents are asked to assist the Costume Liaison with cutting out, and assembling. When one costume is completed it will be on display for parents to see and copy. - TANNING More information and instructions about this process will be available from individual coaches closer to competitions. Tan does allow all students a

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healthy glow under the bright stage lights and uniformity across the team. Brittney Capel (one of our coaches) can spray tan students at a cheaper rate, if required.

DVDs For safety reasons, audience members are not able to record theatre performances, however, professionally recorded DVDs can be purchased for Solo Performances and for The Annual Concert. Solo DVDs are pre-ordered in the foyer of the theatre, at various competitions throughout the year. These are taped individually so make sure you place your order before your child performs. We also record our Annual Concert and DVDs may be ordered in the foyer on the night at a cost of approximately $45 for a 3-4 hour concert. You will find your child watches them over and over, comparing their performances to previous years.

FACEBOOK PAGES Please join or like our Facebook pages to be kept up to date with the latest information and club news. - Private page (Members only) https://www.facebook.com/groups/303178809297/ - Public page https://www.facebook.com/DelSanteGardensCalisthenicCollege/ - DSG Costume Buy, Hire, Sell https://www.facebook.com/groups/117960978910946/

FEES Del Sante Gardens is a not-for-profit organisation and relies on the prompt payment of fees. Invoices will be emailed out at the commencement of each term and payments must be made by the due date indicated on each term invoice (4th week of each term). Different payment options are available to best suit you but please visit our website for our updated fee schedule.

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ITEMS Below is an explanation of the team items performed in our unique, artistic and competitive sport. - FIGURE MARCH (All age groups) Correct deportment is the emphasis throughout this item as the team strives to create many intricate formations and patterns. Uniformity of style is a fundamental requirement as rhythm and precision within the team must be identical and as with all Calisthenics items, good teamwork is essential. - FREE EXERCISES (All age groups) Free Exercises involves a series of strong movements showing flexibility, control and uniformity of rhythm. These fast paced routines test stamina and often display imaginative choreography and include gymnastic style movements. Teamwork, equality in execution and control are important to this item. Team members perform with ‘free arms’ that is, holding no apparatus. - CLUBS (All age groups except Tinies) Club Swinging is considered to be the most technical item to achieve correctly. It involves swinging clubs smoothly, with perfect rhythm, timing and planning. This item has become more challenging over time with team members often being required to move through formations and execute dance steps while performing intricate swings. - RODS (All age groups except Tinies (Demonstration)) A Rods routine has the same key elements of precision and uniformity Free Exercises and Figure March. The quick and constant manipulation the rod combined with footwork and flexibility demonstrate high levels co-ordination, and make this item exciting to watch. The rod is made metal and is approximately 5-10mm in diameter.

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- AESTHETIC (All age groups) Aesthetic is a ballet-influenced item that displays the team’s ability to interpret music and perform with grace and elegance. It shows soft and flowing movements, enabling facial and body expressions to be shown. Creative choreography and interpretation gives this item the ability to evoke emotion and empathy from the audience.

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- FANCY ITEMS (All age groups) Song & Dance (All age groups) Singing and dancing have equal value in this cabaret and jazz-inspired item, though it does extend across all genres of dance. Teams sing, dance and perform their routines to their chosen song or theme. The singing and dance styles included must also be in keeping with the theme. Uniformity of technique, rhythm and style are important as is vibrancy and expression Dance Arrangement (Juniors, Intermediates & Seniors only) This item is purely a dance section, incorporating one or many styles of dance. Choreography is limited only by the coach’s imagination. Rhythmical Aesthetic (Intermediates & Seniors Only) A combination of the Aesthetic Exercises and Rhythmical Interpretation; this item must include a balance between elevated and stationary movements. Rods/Dance (Intermediates & Seniors Only) The basis of this item consists of a routine of equal balance half rods and half dance. Character Folk (All age groups) National Dances from all over the world are performed and interpreted theatrically. Pupils are expected to display correct steps in unison, while also conveying national character, agility and vitality. Calisthenics Revue (All age groups except Tinies) Creativity and entertainment are the keys to this item which allows great freedom in choreographic creativity. Items are often complex and clever and can represent mini-productions. Teams are encouraged to combine aspects of calisthenics with dancing, singing, acting, comedy and clever costuming – all designed to delight and entertain the audience.

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MERCHANDISE AND CLUB UNIFORM DSG Club colours are royal blue, yellow and green. When the students are presented on stage or at a performance they should be wearing our club uniform. The club uniform (DSG tracksuit jacket, black tights & optional black singlet tops) and all merchandise are available to order at the beginning of the year. Order forms will be emailed out or you can contact our Merchandise Coordinator. Uniforms and merchandise will not be handed out until payment has been received in full. Second hand club tracksuit jackets are often available to purchase from club members (Facebook: DSG Costume Buy, Hire, Sell).

NATIONAL TEAMS - SA NATIONAL TEAM SELECTIONS If your child is interested in representing South Australia at the Australian Calisthenics Federation national Championships, the National Team selections are held in October/November each year. More information can be found on the CASA website closer to October. Students must be financial members of our club to stand for National selections. Students go to a preselection workshop, and then stand for selection. They wear a black leotard, hair in a bun, and a number for identification. If successful, training is usually on a Saturday for approximately 5-6 hours. National Championships are held in a different state each year in July. - DEVELOPMENT TEAM SELECTIONS CASA may have selections for Development Teams, but this varies from year to year. You will need to check the CASA website for more information. - PARENTS OF NATIONAL/DEVELOPMENT TEAM MEMBERS The club’s constitution states that all National/Development Team members’ parent/s are expected to be on the Club’s Committee and to attend monthly meetings to help with the running of the club. It is also expected that you volunteer your time at our club functions (concerts and competitions). The Club pays a contribution towards members’ first National trip, along with other expenses.

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PUPIL SKILLS EXAMS Coaches encourage students to do exam work as it improves their technique and confidence. It is not compulsory to sit for the exam, unless the students are involved in GRACEFUL/SOLO competitions as it is a prerequisite. The skills syllabus is generally taught to all students in Term 4 during their team lesson time, although sometimes classes are run outside of the normal class time for students wishing to sit the exam. A black leotard is worn to the examination with hair in a bun. A certificate, cloth badge and assessment sheet are awarded when students pass their exam. A compulsory Prep Day can be organised by CASA before the exam to ensure the student is confident of the Syllabus. Exams are available in February and October each year, however the club encourages its students to participate in the October session.

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ROYALTY THEATRE 65 Angas Street, Adelaide PH. 8223 5765 www.calisthenicssa.com.au - RULES - DRINKS The only drink allowed in the theatre is water. No hot drinks allowed. - SMOKING is strictly prohibited in the Royalty Theatre, Snack Bar, in all Dressing Rooms and all side stage areas. - CAMERAS, TAPE RECORDERS AND VIDEOS The use of these by members of the audience during the competitions is strictly prohibited. - AUDIENCE Once a section has commenced, we request that no person in the audience is to leave their seat until the end of each section, which would be approximately 6 items. - DRESSING ROOM Entry by non-team members is not permitted at any stage during the competition. In Tinies and Sub-Junior sections two persons only to each team will be allowed to remain in the dressing room. In all other sections one person per team will be allowed in the Dressing Room. Under The Member Protection Policy, these people must be appointed by each club, and approved by the CASA Member Protection Officer. For more information, please ask your Club Secretary. - DRESSERS / CHAPERONS and COMPETITORS must remain in the Dressing Room throughout the competitions and will not be permitted into the Theatre until their work is completely finished. Behaviour of competitors in the dressing room is to be controlled by the coaches. Teams are to be supervised at all times. Voluntary help must be respected by coaches, competitors and chaperons as volunteers are doing their utmost to assist CASA. - COACHES, DRESSERS / CHAPERONS are responsible for maintain acceptable behaviour of competitors during competitions. Teams will be allocated Dressing Room space according to their first entry

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number (i.e. March item no.) in the Programme for each session. Any male competitors will be allocated their own dressing room. - COMPETITORS will not be admitted to the Dress Circle unless they hold a full price ticket. The Adjudicators decision is final and no correspondence or verbal enquiry will be entered into regarding any placing in any class in any section in any division.

SERVICE AWARDS Service awards are presented at the Annual Trophy Presentation, held in November to financial members. Students are first recognised with a certificate at the Annual Concert. Service Badges are presented on completion of 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 years. A trophy presented for 10 years’ service. 15 years’ service is also awarded with a framed certificate and jewellery gift and 20 years’ service is also awarded with an engraved champagne flute. To be eligible for these awards, students must have continuous full membership and participation throughout the year. In the event of a child’s membership/attendance being broken through no cause of their own e.g. Parents relocation, illness, overseas travelling etc, a letter can be written to the committee asking for membership not to be broken. Each individual case will be considered by the committee. If a student has a year off and returns to the Club, her service will continue from when she previously left. - LIFE MEMBERSHIP - STUDENT/COACH

20 years’ service to the club. Student Life Members receive free club costume hire - COMMITTEE 10 years’ service to the club. Life members are entitled to free entry into club concerts.

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VOLUNTEERING Throughout the year CASA roster our Club to arrange four volunteers to help run their various competitions. If we do not provide four helpers we will be fined. Please offer your help when you can. - DRESSERS Throughout the year we will be calling on volunteers (usually 2 from each team) to help the students dress at the concerts. Dressers need to have a current police check. - CLUB COMMITTEE MEETINGS Please see our club website for a current list of Committee Members. Committee meetings are held once a month on a Monday night at 7.15pm. Everybody is welcome. Please check current club newsletter or Secretary for details.

We hope you enjoy your time with Del Sante Gardens Calisthenic College. Updated January 2018

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