Q: Sheila you were recently immortalized in a mural wall in Eastwood – what was that about?
A: Ryde council were wanting to recognize local people who had contributed to the community for a long time. I was nominated because I have taught physical culture in the area for over 3 decades and the next thing you know my face was up there on the wall!
Q: How did you first get involved in physyie?
A: I used to teach ballet but, in 1964, I moved to Sydney and had children so running my own dancing school wasn’t an option. Two friends introduced me to physical culture at Gladesville club and Mrs Doris Masters. I went to one class and thought “I will never go back!” But I was coaxed back by “Mrs M” asking if I would go in a team, which sounded a lot more exciting, so I decided to give it a go. After all, I was meeting new friends, doing some exercise for myself and I found, to my surprise, that I was enjoying my nights at physie.
Q: What’s your most memorable physie moment?
A: It’s not exactly a glorious one but… the first year that Ladies wore leotards instead of tunics in the late 60’s, I wore my best white undies and, unfortunately, they showed every time I did a sideways bend. Mrs M was NOT impressed! L But then came the individual competitions for Ladies and I was ready for lots of fun but found that this was serious business! I still had fun, won a medal and was hooked!
Q: How did you become a physie teacher?
A: By 1969 I was desperate to start teaching again so I told Mrs M that I was leaving physie to start a new dance school. She immediately asked me to teach the juniors at Gladesville, where I am still teaching 37 years later! She was a very hard ‘task master’ but I learnt so much from her and we became great friends. I will always be grateful to her and my two dear friends for introducing me to this great sport!!
Q: What makes physie so special for you?
A: It would have to be family and friends – I introduced my mother to physie (who taught in Culburra for many years), my sister, my daughter, my niece and my granddaughters to physie. I’ve also introduced many friends to physie – some stayed, some didn’t – but all of them benefited in some way from what physie have to offer.
Q: And what is that?
A: Fun, Fitness, Integrity and Friendship! Plus, where else can you start at 3 years and continue to 83?…. or more!
PHYSIE DOLLS!
This beautiful keepsake doll can be personalised to look just like you! Every bespoke doll is 100% handmade
Stretch and Stretch Again!!!
Countdown til physie competitions! Not long now..... so it's time to STRETCH STRETCH STRETCH STRETCH
Tip Of The Week.
How to do a plié` Lengthen the spine Keep weight on the balls of the feet but still
PHYSIE HACKS!
Here is a new weekly series to help you perfect some key Physie positions. Watch the video to