History

The History of Como Physie Club: A Legacy of Grace and Community

Como Physie Club’s rich history began with one passionate teacher, Beverley Edwards, whose love of physical culture and dance lit a spark in the Sutherland Shire that continues to burn today.

From Student to Teacher: A Journey Begins

Our founder’s journey with physical culture (physie) began at the age of 11 at Arncliffe Methodist. Her talent was quickly recognised—winning district champion girl in her very first year and drawing the attention of all the teachers. Though she was the only girl in her age group at Arncliffe, her skill did not go unnoticed by other clubs. She eventually made the move to Rockdale Methodist under the guidance of the inspirational Betty Langdon.

Betty became a pivotal influence, teaching her not just technique, but how to truly feel the music—expressing emotion through movement. This passion became a defining feature of her teaching and is something she continues to pass on to her students to this day. Her own success as a performer was impressive, reaching the national finals each year and collecting many accolades.

From Teaching Around Sydney to Founding Como

At just 16, Beverley began doing relief teaching around Sydney and was soon offered her first club: Earlwood Methodist, a high-achieving group known for their discipline and success, including standout pupil Donna Crabtree, a true champion.

Then in a surprise moment on stage at age 21, Betty Langdon asked Beverley to take over Rockdale Methodist. Though honoured, it wasn’t the right time—she was newly married and expecting her first child.

After a brief move to Melbourne, Beverley returned to Sydney in 1967 and contacted BJP to see where she was needed. That call led her to Como Presbyterian Church Girls Club, where her long-standing connection with the Como community began. The club originally met in the bottom hall of the church, complete with piano music played by Iris Jackson and prayers before lessons. It was a modest start, but it marked the beginning of a lifelong commitment to teaching at Como.

A Growing Club, A Thriving Community

Right from the beginning, Como Physie Club was filled with talent and community spirit. Starting with 40 local students, early members included Maureen Bradley and her four daughters—Jenny, Cathy, Lisa, and Nicole—along with names like Marlene Denniss and Pat Barr. Young Lisa became Como’s first national champion at just nine years old, followed by Cathy, who won the 15-year champion title at the Sydney Opera House.

By 1973, the club had outgrown its original space and moved to the Como School of Arts, a larger hall with old wooden floors, a second hall, and a small kitchen. Even when the building was condemned in 1992 due to structural issues (with one dancer’s toe literally going through the floor), the club persevered. Temporary halls were found at Sutherland Entertainment Centre and the old Catholic Church in Como, until the council worked with the club to build a new School of Arts facility.

Thanks to club input, the new venue included two halls, a kitchen, internal toilets, and glass doors for parents to watch. The club collaborated with the local musical society and ballet classes to install mirrors, helping to create the modern, purpose-built space Como Physie still uses today.

The Music Behind the Movement

Throughout the years, the club has been supported by wonderful pianists who brought life to every routine:

Iris Jackson, the original accompanist and club supporter.
Jeanette Yule, a gifted pianist who could play anything and was an enormous help to the club until her unexpected passing due to cardio myopathy.
Olive Bagley, who brought warmth and grace to the role before the transition to recorded music.

A Lifetime of Dedication

Teaching physie has never been about awards or money. In the early days, thanks came in the form of a box of California chocolates, lovingly given by Mr. Allen, a director at BJP. But for our founder, the real reward has always been the joy of teaching, the pride in watching students grow, and the deep, lasting bonds formed through movement and music.

From its humble beginnings in a church hall to the vibrant, successful club it is today, Como Physie Club stands as a testament to passion, perseverance, and the power of community. Generations of dancers have passed through its doors, each shaped by the values and spirit that started all those years ago.

After 50 golden years of dedicated teaching, Beverley Edwards entrusted the leadership of Como Physie Club to her much-loved and accomplished student, Cathy Bradley. Cathy began her journey with the club at just two years old and has enjoyed a successful physie career spanning over six decades. The official handover was celebrated during the club’s 50th anniversary event in 2017, marking a proud and emotional milestone in Como’s history.

The Club continues to flourish and attract a great group of community minded members.