Twelve years after reluctantly stepping into her first calisthenics class, Riverton teenager Alicia Abreu is celebrating national success after placing second and fourth at the CaliUnite championships on the Sunshine Coast.
The 17-year-old Rossmoyne Senior High School ATAR student competed against some of Australia’s top performers during the recent school holidays, earning medals in two solo events.
Alicia, who trains with Riverton Calisthenics Club, said she never expected to hear her name called at the awards ceremony.
“I was just so happy that I got to be there and so grateful to have the opportunity to perform at such a high level,” she said.
“When my name got called out, I couldn’t believe it. I turned to my friends and family like, ‘No way!’
“I was shaking and tears formed in my eyes. It was the most incredible feeling and something I will never forget.”
Calisthenics combines dance, gymnastics, flexibility, coordination and performance, with competitors spending months preparing for routines that last only a few minutes.
Alicia said stepping onto the stage was always nerve-racking, especially at a national competition.
“I wanted to perform my routines in a way that showed all the hard work my coaches and I had put in,” she said.
“There were people in the audience and many more watching the livestream from around Australia. I had to stay focused and trust the work I had put in.
“Everything comes down to those few minutes on stage.”
Away from the spotlight, Alicia spends most afternoons training after school while balancing her Year 12 studies. Weekends are often filled with competitions, with extra practice at home to perfect choreography, technique and flexibility.
She performed two contrasting routines at the championships. One was a Black Swan-inspired graceful routine, while the other was a mime performance that relied on storytelling and expression without words.
Alicia said calisthenics had taught her valuable lessons that extended well beyond competition.
“Balancing training, competitions, tests and exams has definitely been challenging, but it has taught me important time management skills,” she said.
“At the same time, calisthenics gives me a break from studying and lets me do something I love.”
Looking back, Alicia said she almost never joined the sport.
She loved dancing from an early age, but was too shy to start calisthenics when her mum first suggested it.
Over the years, the sport helped build her confidence and introduced her to lifelong friends.
She credited coach Andrea, her first coach Jess, coaches Nerida and Tahni, her parents, school dance teachers and teammates for supporting her throughout her journey.
Alicia hopes her experience encourages other young people to try a new sport, even if they feel nervous.
“Starting something new can feel intimidating, but it is such a rewarding experience,” she said.
“It has introduced me to some of my closest friends and given me unforgettable memories.
“The sport is about so much more than just going on stage. It’s the friendships, the support and the journey behind every performance that make it so meaningful.”
