Objects of Substance - Eliza Gower leotard

1984 Rhythmic Gymnastics celebration at the Pancake Manor: Left to right: Jodie Laun, unsighted, Kelly Baisden (captain), Sarah Stafford, Natacha Dobrovolsky, Gillian Hunter, Fiona Murdoch, Kim Yap, Cathy O’Brien, Diane Wilson. Left to right front centre: Donna Horton and Nicole Schoutrop. In 1986 Mrs Meryl Papas (Hughes 1957) became involved in Grammar Rhythmic Gymnastics, which began a 19 year and prestigious legacy. As a long-standing staff member teaching ballet and a Churchill Fellow in the discipline, she brought to this sport exquisite balletic and choreography skills, serious discipline and, as a third generation Grammar girl, an unparalleled love for the School. In 1988, Mrs Papas created the Brisbane Girls Grammar School Rhythmic Sportive Gymnastics Club (BGGS RSG Club) which produced many outstanding gymnasts such as Nicole Schoutrop (1987), the 1987 BGGS RG captain and the Elite National Rhythmic gymnast. This initiative had the most significant impact on Rhythmic Gymnastics in the School and a profound impact on the QGSSSA competition. By extending the School’s rhythmic gymnasts’ skill base, it also provided competitive experiences and exposure to the sport at a national representative level. The club became one of the most successful clubs nationally. The BGGS RSG Club also developed coaches and judges which, in turn, strengthened the QGSSSA competition. It was this club, open to future Grammar girls (like water polo), which nine-year-old Eliza Gower was to join – even before her days as a Grammar student began, at the encouragement of her “old girl” mother, Nanette (Henzell, 1970). Ellena Papas (1990), daughter of Meryl, who watched the development of the BGGS RSG Club from the intimacy of her mother’s kitchen table, went on to captain the sport as a Grammar student, represented the state and became an international judge. She recalls: The first time Mum really spoke to Eliza – one-on-one – was to convince her to do a competition, as Eliza was adamant rhythmic was just for fun, but we could see this incredible