Happy Valley Calisthenics Club

🎀 MEET OUR PRINCIPAL COACH — EMMA-KATE 🎀
Part Two | The Coach

For all Emma-Kate achieved as a competitor, some of her proudest calisthenics moments have happened from the side of the stage. 💗

Emma-Kate began coaching at Happy Valley as soon as she was old enough and has now been coaching for more than 25 years.

And what a privilege those years have been.

🏆 Coaching Happy Valley teams to countless State Championship wins.

⭐ Coaching and mentoring students who went on to earn their own places in SA State Teams and experience National Championships.

🎀 Coaching students to Championship level in Solo and Graceful Girl.

💗 Watching tiny beginners grow into beautiful performers, confident young people, coaches and lifelong members of our calisthenics community.

But Emma-Kate’s coaching experience extends beyond the calisthenics hall.

A qualified Early Childhood Teacher, Emma-Kate has spent the past seven years working in education. Her teaching background has given her a strong understanding of child development and, importantly, that children don’t all learn in the same way.

More recently, her work with children who have experienced trauma has led Emma-Kate further into trauma-informed education and learning about how the developing brain works — including behaviour, regulation, connection and the importance of children feeling safe before they can truly learn.

And she brings that knowledge back into her coaching.

Because being a great coach isn’t just about knowing how to teach calisthenics.

It’s knowing how to teach the CHILD standing in front of you. 💗

There have been trophies, titles and incredible results along the way, but after more than 25 years Emma-Kate knows that coaching is about so much more than winning.

Sometimes the proudest moment is watching a child finally master something they thought they couldn’t do.

Seeing a nervous performer walk onto the stage.

Finding a different way to teach a skill when the first way didn’t work.

Watching friendships form and teammates support each other.

Or standing in the wings watching a child absolutely shine. ✨

Emma-Kate believes there should be a place in calisthenics for EVERY child — regardless of ability, body, gender, experience or how they learn.

Because success doesn’t look the same for everyone.

Sometimes success is a State Championship.

Sometimes it’s a National Team.

And sometimes it’s simply getting onto that stage, having a go and knowing you belong. 💗

After growing up in the Happy Valley hall herself, Emma-Kate now has the incredible privilege of watching another generation make their own Happy Valley memories — including her own little boy, Emerson. 🥹🎀

From competitor, to coach, to Principal Coach, teacher and now calisthenics mum…

There have been countless moments of pride.

But the greatest achievement will always be the people who have called Happy Valley home along the way.

🎀 Confidence. Friendship. Teamwork. Belonging.

That’s what Happy Valley is all about. 💗

🎀 MEET EMMA-KATE LINDSAY 🎀
Principal Coach | Happy Valley Calisthenics Club

It’s difficult to tell Emma-Kate’s calisthenics story without first telling you about her mum, Tina.

Almost 48 years ago, Tina Lindsay began taking her goddaughter to calisthenics classes. When the club suddenly found itself without a coach, Tina volunteered to step into the role — never imagining that nearly five decades later, she would still be involved with Happy Valley Calisthenics Club.

Then along came Emma-Kate.

At just three weeks old, Emma-Kate was brought into the Happy Valley calisthenics hall for the first time.

And she really hasn’t left since. 💗

What followed has been a lifetime immersed in the sport — as a competitor, State Team representative, coach, demonstrator, mentor and now Principal Coach of the club that has always been home.

⭐ WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

At just four years old — when competing at that age was allowed! — Emma-Kate took to the competition stage with Happy Valley’s Sub-Junior folk dance.

They won the State Championship title.

It turned out to be quite the introduction to competitive calisthenics!

At seven, Emma-Kate was simultaneously selected for the State Gymnastics Squad and chosen as one of only 16 girls from 267 Sub-Junior auditionees for the prestigious South Australian Sub-Junior National Team.

The team travelled to Perth and placed 3rd nationally, all while Emma-Kate continued training and competing with Happy Valley.

The following year, she was selected for the SA Sub-Junior National Team for a second time, travelling to Sydney under coach Cheryl Ablett.

That team made history, becoming the first team in the sport to win all five items at a National competition.

And yes — Emma-Kate still has the trophy at home! 🏆

That same year brought another achievement particularly close to her heart: Emma-Kate became the State Champion Soloist.

Solo has always remained her favourite part of our sport.

⭐ THE STATE TEAM YEARS

The following year, while Tina was assistant coach of the SA Intermediate National Team, Emma-Kate travelled as their unofficial little mascot.

Then came an unexpected opportunity: she was asked to step into the SA Junior National Team at the last minute to replace an injured team member.

Off to Canberra she went — and another collection of wonderful memories was made.

As a second-year Junior, Emma-Kate was once again selected for the SA Junior National Team, this time travelling to the Gold Coast and adding another State title to her achievements.

It was during this period that Emma-Kate moved to compete with Marden, where she would spend many years being coached, challenged and inspired by some of South Australia’s most talented and accomplished coaches.

As a final-year Junior, Nationals came home to Adelaide. Representing South Australia once again, Emma-Kate and her team achieved 2nd place nationally.

Over the following three years, she travelled interstate with Marden to compete in Victoria, gaining an enormous amount of experience — and plenty of lifelong memories along the way.

⭐ INTERMEDIATES, BALLARAT & BEYOND

During her Intermediate years, Emma-Kate was a member of two consecutive State Championship-winning teams, travelling to Ballarat and once again having the opportunity to work alongside and learn from some of the state’s leading coaches.

At the same time, her competitive life stretched beyond calisthenics.

Emma-Kate was also a member of her school’s elite aerobics team, travelling to Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane to compete at an elite level. The experience exposed her to fierce competition and broadened her skills across dance, movement and aerobics.

⭐ SENIOR YEARS

As a young Senior, Emma-Kate was again selected to represent South Australia at the National Championships, travelling to Melbourne and achieving 2nd place nationally with her team.

The following year brought a completely different opportunity when she was appointed Demonstrator for the SA Junior Championship Team.

For someone who had spent so many years travelling as a competitor, it was a chance to experience State Teams from the coaching side — another chapter that would help shape the coach she would become.

There was still one final National Championships experience waiting.

As a Senior, Emma-Kate had the opportunity to compete at Nationals at home in Adelaide, on the prestigious Festival Theatre stage, with her family there to watch.

After years of interstate trips, training, auditions, competitions and representing South Australia, being presented with her consecutive National Team badge from the Australian Calisthenic Federation remains an incredibly proud memory.

🎀 BUT SHE WAS ALWAYS A HAPPY VALLEY GIRL.

Amongst the State Teams, interstate trips, Championship titles, Marden training, aerobics competitions, solos, duos and countless hours spent in calisthenics halls…

Happy Valley was always home.

Emma-Kate continued competing for Happy Valley at State Championships throughout the years.

As soon as she was old enough to coach, she did.

She assisted.

She taught.

She choreographed.

She mentored.

She guided generations of Happy Valley students.

And year after year, she continued taking the stage herself at Championship level in Graceful Girl, Solo and Duo competitions.

Today, the little three-week-old baby Tina once carried into the Happy Valley hall is the club’s Principal Coach.

There are simply too many achievements to fit into one post.

Too many competitions.

Too many interstate trips.

Too many incredible coaches Emma-Kate has had the privilege of learning from.

Too many students she has watched grow.

Too many friendships.

Too many costumes.

Too many rehearsals.

Too many speeches… and according to those who know Emma-Kate, quite a few of those speeches probably went on a little too long! 😂

And far too many special memories to count.

But perhaps the achievement Emma-Kate is most proud of isn’t a trophy, title or National Team badge.

It’s still being here.

Still walking into the Happy Valley hall.

Still teaching the next generation.

Still believing that calisthenics can give a child confidence, friendships, resilience, belonging and memories that last a lifetime.

Nearly 48 years after Tina first volunteered to help a little calisthenics club that needed a coach, their family is still here.

And Happy Valley is still home. 🎀💗

And just like that… our 2026 competition season is complete! 🎀💗⭐

Last night our final team took to the stage, bringing another competition season to a close for Happy Valley.

And while there are results, places, medals and trophies along the way, when I look back at this season, they aren’t the things I’m most proud of.

I’m proud of the children who walked onto a stage when they were nervous.

The ones who learnt something they once thought was too hard.

The ones who cheered ridiculously loudly for their teammates.

The friendships made backstage. The giggles at training. The little people who grew in confidence. The big kids who helped the little kids. The coaches and assistants who gave their time, energy and love to their teams.

And I’m especially proud that at Happy Valley, success doesn’t have to look the same for everyone. 💗

For one child it might be a beautiful performance.

For another, it might be remembering their whole routine.

For another, simply getting onto that stage is an enormous achievement.

All of those things are worth celebrating.

After a very busy competition season, we’re taking a moment to celebrate our wonderful little club and every single person who makes it what it is.

To our performers, we are SO proud of you!

To our coaches and assistants, thank you!

And to our families who get children to training, do hair, organise costumes, sit through competitions, clap loudly and support our club, we couldn’t do this without you!

That’s a wrap on competitions for 2026. 🎀

But it’s certainly not the end of our year…

We have lots more Happy Valley fun to come. 💗⭐

Happy Valley Calisthenics
A place to belong.

Calisthenic Association of South Australia
Variety SA

🌟 WE HAVE A LEVEL ONE COACH! 🌟

We are so incredibly proud to share that Alice has successfully passed and obtained her Level One Coaches Accreditation! 👏🖤💗

Alice brings such heart, dedication and integrity to Happy Valley Calisthenics Club. Her commitment to learning, growing and leading with inclusivity truly reflects what HVCC stands for; more people, more ways.

This accreditation represents hours of study, practical learning, mentoring and a genuine passion for developing confident, capable and supported athletes. Our families already know how lucky we are to have her, and now it’s official! ✨

Congratulations, Alice. Your leadership journey is only just beginning and we are so excited for the future of HVCC with you at the helm. 💫

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

LevelOneCoach

✨ 2026 TEAM SPOTS NOW OPEN ✨

We have limited positions available across our calisthenics teams for 2026 💕

🤸 Tinies – 4 spots available
🤸 Subbies – 2 spots available
🤸 Juniors – 1 spot available
🤸 Intermediates – 2 spots available

Our club is all about confidence, inclusivity, movement and belonging 💖
Perfect for children who love to move, make friends and grow in a supportive environment.

📩 Message us now to enquire or organise a trial.

✨ Come dance, move and shine with us ✨

At Happy Valley Calisthenics Club, every child is welcome 💗

Our Tinies class (ages 2–6) focuses on:
✨ confidence
✨ gentle movement
✨ social skills
✨ having FUN

We proudly welcome children of all abilities in a warm, nurturing environment.

📍 Morphett Vale
🕑 Saturdays 2–3pm
🎀 First lesson FREE

🌟 Tinies (Ages 2.5–5) – Join our HVCC family in 2026 🌟

A gentle, joyful introduction to calisthenics where little ones grow confidence, coordination and friendships ✨

💗 Bachelor-qualified educators
💗 20+ years of calisthenics coaching experience
💗 All costumes provided
💗 No tanning
💗 Minimal make-up
💗 Fun, positive and age-appropriate lessons

We focus on confidence, movement, music and smiles — all in a nurturing, family-style environment 🤍

✨ First two lessons are free ✨
Saturdays 2–3pm | Morphett Vale Community Hall

🌸 Meet Alice! 🌸

We are so lucky to have Alice as part of our Happy Valley Calisthenics coaching team — a true example of what it means to grow, shine, and give back. 💗

Alice has been part of our club since she was an outgoing 8-year-old in Sub-Juniors through Juniors, Intermediates and Seniors. Alice is always striving to improve, represent her club proudly, and be an outstanding team member. Watching her flourish into the remarkable young woman she is today has been an absolute joy!

Now 20 years old, Alice is studying Education at Flinders University and brings an incredible combination of passion, creativity, and professionalism to everything she does. She sets her own bar high — and reaches it every single time! 🎓✨

With a background as a Fire Station Cadet, Alice brings a wealth of knowledge about wellbeing and safety. She’s fierce in her sense of justice, compassionate in her actions, and has the kind of grounded wisdom that makes her an inspiring mentor for our students. 💪🔥

Alice is also wonderfully creative — she’s full of fresh ideas for calisthenics items and always encourages her students to push their boundaries while giving fair, thoughtful feedback. She has completed her own Pupil Skills exams and competed in State Championships in solos, duos, and graceful items — never afraid to give anything a go! 🌟

What makes Alice truly special is her natural way with children. She connects effortlessly with students of all ages and abilities, creating an inclusive, supportive, and empowering environment where everyone feels seen and valued.

We are beyond proud to have Alice on our coaching team — a one-of-a-kind human who radiates kindness, strength, and dedication. Everyone who knows her, loves her! 💖✨

🌟 Meet Coach Emma-Kate Lindsay

Emma-Kate holds a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and has been a teacher for nearly seven years, working across a wide range of age groups, including inclusive and disability education settings. Her background in teaching has shaped her holistic approach to coaching — one that nurtures not just skills, but confidence, teamwork, and well-being.

A lifelong member of Happy Valley Calisthenics Club, Emma-Kate began coaching at just 12 years old and has since gained invaluable experience learning from mentors and working with students of all ages. As a former elite competitor, she has represented South Australia at the Calisthenics National Championships, performed on prestigious stages such as Ballarat, and is proud to have been an Australian Calisthenics Champion and State Title Holder throughout her competitive years.

Now, as both a mum and school teacher, Emma-Kate’s coaching philosophy centres on the whole child — fostering confidence, resilience, positive mental health, physical well-being, and life skills that extend far beyond the stage.

At Happy Valley Calisthenics, Emma-Kate ensures everyone feels welcome — celebrating all abilities, encouraging growth, and upholding the club’s strong values of Teamwork, Respect, and Confidence.

“I strive to make our club the kind of place I’d be proud to send my own child — a warm, safe, and joyful community where every student feels seen, supported, and inspired.”

Come along and see what our small, friendly club has to offer your family!
We have an open-door policy — parents are always welcome to stay and watch lessons with respect for the class environment. 💖🖤🎀🌟

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💗🖤 Happy Valley Calisthenics Club 💗🖤

🌟 The perfect time of year to try Calisthenics! 🌟

✅ Two FREE trial lessons – come and see if it’s for you!
✅ No costume making required – we take the stress out so you can enjoy the fun!
✅ Truly inclusive & welcoming – every individual is celebrated.
✅ Led by a qualified Early Childhood Teacher – strong values, supportive guidance, and focus on growth.
✅ Friendly community – where achievements big and small are celebrated.

🎉 At Happy Valley Calisthenics Club, we believe in building confidence, strength, and friendships. Our classes are about enjoying movement, learning new skills, and being part of a team that feels like family.

👉 Come and join us this season – discover the fun, the friendships, and the sparkle of Calisthenics ✨

📍 Morphett Vale Community Hall
📅 New members welcome now!
📩 Message us today to book your 2 free lessons

💗🖤 Happy Valley Calisthenics Club – Strong values, bright futures, endless fun! 💗🖤