It is an all-over workout that improves posture and coordination. 

Moruya Physie and Dance Club are 80 members strong and have been enhancing the fitness and sense of well being of their members for decades. 

Moruya coach Hayley Van Weerdenburg, 31, recalls marching with the Moruya Club when she was just five-years-old. 

“I’ve been doing it since I was at least five,” Van Weerdenburg said. 

“I just love it because it not only involves dance but it builds young girls confidence and their health.

“For me, physie has opened a lot of doors. I have had the opportunity to perform overseas and all around Australia. 

“When I moved back to Moruya and had my own children I thought my girls would benefit from the sport, so I took it up again.” 

Van Weerdenburg said the days of physie being associated with beauty pageants were long gone. 

“About three years ago there was a massive shift within Australian Physie and Dance Association (APDA) away from robotic movements and focussing on dance movement,” she said. 

“They also banned fake tan and juniors wear minimal makeup, which was great as it gives kids a chance to be kids.

“We just give them tools to believe in themselves and the ability to express themselves through movement.” 

The Moruya Physie and Dance Club has had its fair share of struggles, having closed for ten years during the 1990s due to dwindling numbers. 

After reforming in 2009, Moruya is going from strength to strength, and last year had four members reach national level in competition. 

In August the club hosted its own Dance Eisteddfod with more than six clubs from Sydney, Canberra and the South Coast at Moruya High School. 

In two weeks time the club will travel to Nowra to compete in the APDA zone competition. 

“We will send some of the girls to zone championships and those that are lucky enough to be successful will go on to Nationals,” Van Weerdenburg said. 

“All four of them have expanded their skills but they are up against some tough competition. 

“The great thing about physie is that it’s not all about competition. If you’re not competitive you can just come to practice each week.” 

Physie can be practiced from the age of three to 70. 

Moruya Physie Club meet on Tuesday afternoons at Moruya RSL Hall and for information email the club at moruyaphysie@hotmail.com