FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
New to Physie? You’re probably wondering how it all works.
Here are some of the questions we’re asked most often. If you’re still unsure about something, just ask us. We’re happy to help.
Getting started
What is Physie?
Physie, short for Physical Culture, is an Australian dance sport that brings together dance, fitness, strength, flexibility and movement to music.
The choreography includes a mix of styles such as jazz, hip hop, ballet, contemporary, aerobics and yoga, with new routines introduced each year.
You can learn more about Physie on our What is Physie? page.
Do I need to have done dance before?
Not at all.
You don’t need previous dance, Physie or sporting experience to join GHPC.
Our classes include girls and women at different stages, from those taking their very first steps to members who have been doing Physie for years.
What age can you start Physie?
At GHPC, our classes start from age 2 with our Glitter Girls.
We have age groups throughout childhood and into Seniors and Ladies, so members can continue through the club as they grow.
Is Physie just for children?
No 
Physie is for girls and women, and we love having members of all ages at GHPC.
Our younger girls can grow through the age groups, our Seniors have their own opportunities and our Ladies can continue learning, moving, performing and being part of the club.
What happens at a Physie class?
Classes include learning and practising the current year’s routines, along with activities that develop movement, strength, flexibility, coordination and fitness.
For our youngest members, classes are adapted to their age and include plenty of fun and movement.
Each week there’s something new to learn, something to practise and another little step forward.
What if my child is shy or nervous?
That’s completely okay.
Starting somewhere new can feel a little daunting, especially if your child doesn’t know anyone.
Our teachers understand that every child settles in differently. We want members to feel comfortable, supported and included while they find their feet.
You don’t need to know anyone before you start, and you don’t need to arrive knowing what to do.
Can we try Physie before joining?
Yes
You can come along and try two classes for free before deciding whether you’d like to join GHPC.
It’s a chance to meet the teachers, experience a class and see what Physie is all about before making a commitment. Try Physie / Get Started
Classes and what to wear
How often are classes?
Each age group has regular weekly classes.
You can find our current class times on the Timetable page.
What should I wear to class?
There’s no need to buy expensive dancewear before you start.
Comfortable, fitted activewear that allows you to move freely is perfect. This could be leggings and a fitted top, well-fitting shorts and a top, a leotard, BJP Performance Wear or GHPC uniform items.
Physie is practised barefoot, so there’s no need for dance shoes.
You can find more information about what to wear on Our Uniform page.
Do I need a special uniform?
Not to start Physie.
There’s no requirement to purchase GHPC uniform to attend classes.
Comfortable, fitted activewear is all you need to get started.
Our club colours are black and rose gold, and GHPC uniform items are available for members who would like to wear them to classes, events and club activities.
We love seeing our members in their club colours. It’s a lovely way to show GHPC pride and feel part of the club.
If you choose to compete in BJP competitions, you will need the appropriate BJP Performance Wear or leotard for your competition.
GHPC club uniform is not a substitute for the required competition wear.
You can find more information about competition wear and presentation requirements on our Competitions page.
What if I miss a class?
If you can’t make a class, don’t worry. Just let your teacher or the club know where appropriate.
Your teacher can let you know if there’s anything important you need to catch up on.
Competitions
Do I have to compete?
No. Competition is completely optional.
Some members love the challenge of competition and performing in front of an audience.
Others come to Physie for the dancing, fitness, friendships and fun and never compete.
There’s no right or wrong way to be part of GHPC.
What sort of competitions are there?
There are individual and team competition pathways in BJP Physie. Champion Girl is the individual pathway, where members work towards their own goals.
Teams involve eight girls or ladies from the same club performing together as a team.
There are also different competitions throughout the year, including club competitions, interclubs and higher-level competitions. Our Competitions page explains the different opportunities and what each one involves.
What is a Club Competition?
Club competitions are held within the club and are a fun way for members to perform the current year’s syllabus and experience competition in a more relaxed environment.
GHPC first comp of the performance season is always Choc Comp, which gives members the chance to dress in competition wear, have their hair and makeup done and experience competing alongside their friends and family.
Our end-of-year Annual Club Competition is also open to the wider GHPC family.
What happens if I want to compete?
If you decide you’d like to give competition a go, your teacher and the club will provide information about entries, preparation, competition requirements and what you need to bring.
Competition requirements can vary depending on the competition and age group, so we provide the relevant information throughout the year.
What do I wear for competitions?
Members who compete need the appropriate BJP Performance Wear or leotard for their competition.
Competition presentation also has specific requirements around things such as hair, makeup, jewellery, nails and tanning, particularly for younger competitors. These requirements can vary depending on the competition and age group.
We cover the details on our Competitions page so members have the information they need before competition day.
Do competitions cost extra?
There can be additional costs for members who choose to compete, such as competition entry fees, competition performance wear and travel costs (as some competitions are outside the local area).
We’ll provide members with the relevant information before costs are due.
Competition Entry Fees for ages 5 years and older (Optional):
Interclub Competition 1 - $15
Interclub Competition 2 - $15
Zone Competition - $15
Registration and fees
Do I have to register with BJP?
Yes. Members 5 years and older who learn the BJP syllabus must be registered with BJP, whether or not they choose to compete.
BJP registration is separate from GHPC club fees and GHPC Club Registration.
Registration is required before continuing with the BJP syllabus after the permitted trial period.
Annual BJP Registration (5 years and older):
$109 per year
BJP registration is separate from GHPC club fees and is required for BJP Physie membership.
Annual GHPC Club Registration:
$50 per year
Can I join GHPC without competing?
Yes. You can be a registered GHPC and BJP member without competing.
Competition is optional, so you can enjoy the classes, friendships, fitness and everything else GHPC has to offer without entering competitions.
Will my daugther have to perform on her own?
No. If your daughter competes in a team she will have 7 other friends with her all doing the same thing. If she chooses to compete individually she will be on the floor with anywhere up to 15 other girls. On average a heat will be anywhere from 10 to 15 girls/Ladies.
Can I be registered with more than one Physie club?
No. BJP members register with one club and attend classes and compete for the club with which they are registered.
How much does Physie cost?
Our fees are made up of GHPC club fees and BJP registration.
There may also be additional costs for members who choose to compete, such as competition entry fees and performance wear. GHPC is a not-for-profit community club and we aim to keep Physie affordable and are upfront about the costs involved. You can find our current fee information on the Fees page.
Do you offer a family discount?
Yes
When three or more members of the same immediate family are enrolled at GHPC, the family receives 10% off the family's full fee amount.
The family discount applies to immediate family members, such as siblings and parents or children. It does not apply to extended family members such as aunties, cousins, or nieces.
Do you accept Active and Creative Kids vouchers?
Yes. GHPC is an Active and Creative Kids Provider. If you’re planning to use a voucher, please speak with us about how to apply it to your membership.
Gillieston Heights Physie
Where is GHPC located?
We are based at Gillieston Heights Community Hub on Redwood Drive, Gillieston Heights NSW.
It’s a modern local community facility with dedicated activity spaces where our classes are held.
What areas do your members come from?
We’re a local Gillieston Heights club and welcome members from the surrounding Maitland and Hunter areas.
Is GHPC only for competitive dancers?
Definitely not. You don’t need to be interested in competition to belong at GHPC.
Some members love the challenge of competition. Some love performing. Some love learning new routines. Some come for the fitness and friendships. There’s room for all of it.
What sort of dances will my daugther learn?
There are 5 different routines you will learn in a Physie class along with Marching. These dances include a Cardio, Floor, Relaxed, Exercises and Dance. All these dances include elements from Jazz, Hip-hop, Ballet, Yoga and Flexibility.
What makes GHPC different?
We want GHPC to be a club where girls and women can grow. A little girl can start in Glitter Girls, move through the age groups, become one of the older girls in the club and eventually continue into Seniors and Ladies.
The younger girls have older members to look up to, while our older girls have the opportunity to become role models for those coming behind them.
You don’t have to outgrow your club. You can grow with it.
Club life
Are there activities outside of regular classes?
Yes. Throughout the year there are competitions, performances, workshops, club activities, fundraising and social events. Some are optional and some are simply opportunities for members and families to spend time together outside of regular classes.
We’ll keep members informed about what’s coming up throughout the year.
How does fundraising work at GHPC?
GHPC is a not-for-profit community club run by volunteers, so fundraising helps us raise money to cover our essential costs, and to support the club, our members and the things we’re able to provide throughout the year.
There are lots of different ways to support GHPC, and it doesn’t always mean giving money.
You might support the club by:
* Entering a GHPC raffle
* Donating items for a GHPC raffle
* Purchasing a ticket in our GHPC 100 Club
* Buying a ticket and attending our annual GHPC Paint & Sip fundraiser
* Volunteering your time at fundraising events, such as our Bunnings BBQ
* Helping with other club fundraising activities throughout the year
Some fundraising opportunities involve contributing financially, while others simply involve giving your time.
We’ll always let members know what fundraising activities are coming up and what’s involved.
There’s no expectation that every family will participate in every fundraiser. Every bit of support helps us continue providing opportunities and experiences for our members and growing our club together.
Are workshops and extra lessons compulsory?
No. From time to time, GHPC may offer workshops or additional lessons to members who would like extra opportunities to learn, practise, develop their skills or to help them prepare for their upcoming competitions.
Details will be provided when these are available.
What is expected of members in class?
We want classes to be a positive place where everyone can learn.
Members are expected to listen to their teachers, treat others with respect, give things a go and help create an environment where everyone feels welcome and safe.
Parents and carers also play an important part in supporting respectful behaviour and a positive club environment.
Children and safety
How does GHPC approach child safety?
The safety and wellbeing of our members is extremely important to us. GHPC is committed to providing an environment where children and young people feel safe, respected and supported. Our teachers and committee all have a current WWCC and follow the relevant child safety requirements and club procedures, and we expect everyone involved with GHPC to contribute to a safe and respectful environment.
Can parents stay during class?
Yes
Parents and carers of our younger members are welcome to stay and watch their child’s class.
For our youngest girls, particularly our Glitter Girls, having a parent or familiar face nearby can help them feel safe, comfortable and secure while they settle into something new.
If you choose to stay and watch, we simply ask that you remain quiet and respectful during the class and avoid distracting your child or other members. This allows our teachers to run the class and all of the girls to stay focused and enjoy their time. As children get older and become more confident, many parents choose to drop them off and return at the end of class. We want each child to feel comfortable, so families can work out what feels right for their child and their class.
Can I join anytime of the year?
Yes! You can start physie at anytime of the year. The routines are taught from the beginning of the year with lots of revision throughout the year. There is also an instructional video available that can assist with practising at home. All competitions are optional so if you start later in the year there is no pressure to compete you can just come to class and have fun.
Still have a question?
If you’ve read through everything and still have a question, that’s completely fine. Sometimes it’s easier just to ask. We’re happy to help you work out which class is right for you, what to expect when you start or anything else you’re unsure about. Please reach out to us and we will do our best to help.
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No experience needed. Just come and give it a try.
Our teachers are here to help members learn, improve and enjoy themselves, whether they’re completely new to Physie or have been doing it for years.
Come along and try our 2 free Physie trial classes and see what you think
Already know Physie is for you?
If you’re ready to join GHPC, you can head straight to our membership page.
Gillieston Heights Physical Culture Club
Email: gilliestonheightsphysie@gmail.com
Phone: 0400 510 522
Gillieston Heights Community Hub
Redwood Dr, Gillieston Heights, NSW, 2321
Proudly affiliated with BJP Physie
Empowering girls 2 years - ladies
Dance, fitness, friendship & confidence
Est. 2023