The Introductory Baton Twirling program includes instruction on team twirling, individual competition skills, and basic strut/parade technique.
Our program is a year-round program. We have preschool and general classes. |
In the beginning, there were manly drum majors swinging maces. Then, girls got involved and white boots and slim batons replaced shako hats and heavy maces.
Today's twirler is far removed from the baton twirlers of even a decade ago. Now twirlers are athletes -- twirling requires the stamina of a distance runner, the coordination of a baseball or basketball player, the grace and balance of a gymnast, the concentration of a quarterback, and the determination and dedication necessary to be successful in virtually any sport.
Competitive twirling has come a long way as well. Outside of the limited twirling organizations, there were few opportunities for the world to see twirlers compete. Pageants, like Miss America, were our best press. And while those who donned tiaras to show the world their twirling are to be commended for their achievements, twirling was presented more as a lightweight talent than a true sport. My, how things have changed. Baton twirling is now a part of the AAU Junior Olympics, and has been tentatively approved by the NCAA on its list of emerging sports for women.
Twirlers have been featured on ESPN, and competitions like the Congressional Cup have been televised in many areas. As the sport gains credibility, we will see more university scholarships offered to twirlers, more press coverage of competitions, and perhaps even inclusion in the Olympics. |
