Cue 1 Spotlight GO! – Lorinda Webster-Brooking & River City Seniors

Lorinda Webster-Brooking – NO DANCER LEFT BEHIND.

Hailing from Adelaide, South Australia, Lorinda’s introduction to calisthenics stemmed from her mother’s professional ballet career. Her mother encouraged her to explore various forms of dance and gymnastics, and after dabbling in tapping and singing, she immersed herself in Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Hip Hop, Gymnastics, and Calisthenics. Over the years, Lorinda’s talent took her around the globe, competing in sports aerobics in Europe, cheerleading and drill dance in America, and even dancing in pantomimes in London. Among her many performances, a highlight was dancing at Disney World, Florida, USA. Yet, despite these remarkable experiences, calisthenics always remained her first love. Its unique combination of athleticism, artistry, and stage presence captured her heart and became a lifelong pursuit.

Lorinda’s passion for calisthenics extended beyond her own participation, motivating her to take on coaching at both club and national levels. Her journey to the National competition stage began when she was selected for the SA Junior National Team in 1992—a moment that set the course for her future contributions to the sport. Encouraged by her mentors and driven by a desire to share her wealth of knowledge, Lorinda embraced the role of coach – including coaching State teams, fostering camaraderie, skill development, and personal growth among her athletes. The friendships, memories, and shared achievements within the calisthenics community are a constant source of inspiration for her. Watching her teams flourish, both on and off the stage, has been one of Lorinda’s greatest rewards, as she continues to contribute to the sport that has shaped her life.

Coaching calisthenics brings unique challenges for Lorinda, particularly in managing unforeseen obstacles such as last-minute injuries or technical malfunctions during performances. While these situations demand quick thinking and adaptability, Lorinda emphasizes resilience and a positive attitude to overcome them. Whether reworking choreography or navigating lighting mishaps, her calm and proactive leadership has inspired her teams to excel under pressure, turning challenges into triumphs. Her commitment to pushing creative boundaries and fostering a supportive team environment further highlights her dedication to evolving the sport and empowering dancers to take risks while growing together.

Lorinda is incredibly proud of the River City Seniors team that she is bringing to AusCaliCarnivale 2025.  Comprising 23 dedicated members from across southeast Queensland—some traveling up to four hours to participate—the team is a vibrant mix of experience and fresh talent. With ages ranging from 18 to 28, and over half of the team working in the health industry, their bond is built on shared passion, resilience, and an infectious sense of camaraderie. Lorinda’s guiding principle, “no dancer is ever left behind,” is more than just a code; it’s a heartfelt philosophy that shapes her leadership and team spirit. She sees every individual as a crucial piece of a puzzle, working together to create a masterpiece of unity and artistry. This ethos became profoundly meaningful during one of the darkest moments of her life—a time of devastating loss. In the face of immense heartache, it was the unwavering love, resilience, and solidarity of her team that enveloped her with support. Their strength became her anchor, weaving an unbreakable bond that Lorinda cherishes deeply and will forever hold close to her heart. This special group’s journey to the competition showcases their commitment to excellence and their desire to celebrate calisthenics with the broader community, creating lasting memories along the way.

As Lorinda reflects on her journey in calisthenics, she offers heartfelt advice for emerging coaches and participants alike. For those stepping into the coaching realm, she encourages them to back themselves, set realistic goals, and celebrate every small win along the way. Her approach to improving performance under pressure emphasizes relaxation, confidence, and maintaining consistency between training and competition routines. For participants, Lorinda highlights the importance of engaging with the broader calisthenics community—watching performances, asking questions, and embracing new experiences to foster growth and connection.

Looking ahead, Lorinda is excited to witness the creativity and talent showcased at this year’s AusCaliCarnivale, where choreography and innovation will take center stage. She remains inspired by the evolution of the sport, particularly the integration of acro movements and challenging dance elements, pushing calisthenics to new heights while preserving its essence. With a career spanning over 38 years, Lorinda’s passion for calisthenics is deeply rooted in the community’s warmth and inclusivity, and she remains committed to creating a space where dancers feel welcomed, inspired, and proud to call calisthenics home.