My favorite question to ask new students is "Why do you want to be a baton twirler". This has produced some very funny responses over the years, but the one that makes me pay very close attention is... because I don't want to take take dance classes, be a cheerleader and I don't like sports.
Coaches like myself have been advocating Baton Twirling as a SPORT for years. This is not easy, because many can't appreciate the effort and skill required to do it. Baton twirling is the trifecta of athleticism because it requires stamina, muscle strength and endurance. It is artistic because it uses choreography, and when performed well is simply beautiful to watch.
The "non-dance" fans are my favorite. They are usually my tom-boys who feel dance and cheerleading are too girly. It's easy to change their minds as they realize they are learning to plie, releve, chasse and pique because all of these dance moves are used in the context of a twirling term. You can't do your tricks without them.
The best thing about baton is that it is a sport of a life time. Once you've taken a class, you will twirl anything that is tubular and in your hands from the day you learn it to old-age.
No one is born with natural grace, coordination and athletic ability. It is taught, nurtured, coached, practiced and harnessed in a sport that is loved by the participant.
Ms. Shelley
Coaches like myself have been advocating Baton Twirling as a SPORT for years. This is not easy, because many can't appreciate the effort and skill required to do it. Baton twirling is the trifecta of athleticism because it requires stamina, muscle strength and endurance. It is artistic because it uses choreography, and when performed well is simply beautiful to watch.
The "non-dance" fans are my favorite. They are usually my tom-boys who feel dance and cheerleading are too girly. It's easy to change their minds as they realize they are learning to plie, releve, chasse and pique because all of these dance moves are used in the context of a twirling term. You can't do your tricks without them.
The best thing about baton is that it is a sport of a life time. Once you've taken a class, you will twirl anything that is tubular and in your hands from the day you learn it to old-age.
No one is born with natural grace, coordination and athletic ability. It is taught, nurtured, coached, practiced and harnessed in a sport that is loved by the participant.
Ms. Shelley
Myth #2:
"My daughter has no hand-eye coordination, balance or athletic ability. She could never be a very good twirler."
L-R: Chelsea Russell, University of Iowa Golden Girl; Shelley Rouse, Owner Revolutions Twirling, Emily Bright, Iowa State Univ. Feature Twirler at 2009 Iowa vs ISU Football game.
