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Looking for a new Sport? Catch this....

Contributed by: Amber Lena on 8/2/2008

You see the sport all over the place in other states and countries: National and International levels... but did you know it exists HERE too???

Most people don't. What am I referring to? Baton Twirling---- Yes, you heard correctly: Baton Twirling. First of all it is a Sport (an event in the Jr. Olympics) and secondly, we have State and National Champions in the Denver Metro Area.

So, thought you knew what baton twirling is? Think again...

Often stereo typed, twirling athletes have come a long way in the past 50 years.

Twirling is composed of numerous athletic skills all rolled into one activity. Baton has evolved from something that was primarily seen in parades or on football fields into a sport that encompasses the stamina level of a long distance runner, the hand-eye coordination of a baseball player or golfer, the grace of a ballet dancer, the flexibility and tumbling skills of a gymnast, and the determination and dedication necessary to be successful in any sport!
Baton twirling enhances motorand sensory development. It encourages grossand fine motor agility, balance and coordination, while providing integration of visual tracking and hand to eye coordination, including special orientation. Nearly everyone has 2 eyes, 2 arms, 2 legs and 2 brain hemispheres. Often one side tends to be dominant. Baton integrates the use of BOTH hands, both legs and eyes, utilizing the pathways on both sides of the brain. Improving physical coordination improves ability to learn. Twirling is great exercise for brain and body integration. As physical coordination improves so does ability to learn.Baton twirling stimulates a student's sense of balance, hearing and sight to integrate the brain from right to left and front to back.

Often baton twirling is equated with rhythmic gymnastics. Although these two sports share a great deal of similarity, there are specific moves that baton twirlers perform which make us distinct from rhythmic gymnastics. These moves are referred to as "rolls", where the baton is solely controlled by your body and not your hands.

As with gymnastics, figure skating, and other sports combining agility with grace, competitive baton twirling requires a routine containing mandatory elements for scoring points. In a competition, a baton twirler may be required to twirl vertically, or perpendicular to the floor, and horizontally. Similarly, they are required to make a certain number of catches and releases and vary them throughout their routine. Baton twirling at some levels of competition requires twirlers to use more than one baton.

Choreography is part of baton twirling, but coordination in general is the primary skill needed to perform. Baton twirlers sometimes have skill sets similar to gymnasts or cheerleaders, but can't rely solely on tumbling and dance skills. They often work with coaches who help them learn and perfect their catch and release skills and fluidity in movement in their releases, catches, and choreography. Baton twirling is an excellent sport for young people who have demonstrated skill in grace and coordination, especially if they are interested in using their skills in competition.

The sport is popular in many countries including Japan, Australia, Canada, United States, Brazil, South Africa, Ireland, Scotland, England, France, Spain, Holland, Italy, Germany, Slovenia, Croatia, Hungary and the Seychelles. Many of these countries compete at the WBTF World Championships, held in August every year. Twirlers also compete in the NBTA World Championships, held every 3 years in April. The USTA World Championships have the International Cup Championships held every summer.

But competing as an individual, pairs, trio, Dance Twirl Team, Corp or Show Corp is only one aspect of twirling. The majority of the twirlers who pick up a baton at age 5 and have the determination to stick with the sport, often look forward to twirling for their middle and high schools. Almost all twirlers who enter college do so because of twirling scholarships they have earned.

From college, these twirlers turned young, successful women have made and continue to make their mark in the world. Led by great example from the time they started twirling, they hold much higher standards for themselves than the average student.

Speaking of average students... most twirlers are not just "average" when it comes to school they are usually "A" students. There are several regional and national champions in the Denver Metro area who compete year round. One in particular has even competed and won several gold medals at the Jr. Olympics and is also a Dance Major at the Denver School of Performing Arts at the age of only 13.

Self respect is one of the huge benefits of participation in Baton Twirling. Pride in accomplishment from learning a new trick, pride in achievement for entering a first solo competition, pride in participation fro performing with a group---each of these is a milestone of building self respect.

Competition by its nature means that sometimes we win and sometimes we don't. While human ego would like to always be in the "win " column (and parents by nature, want to shield their children from disappointment) it is the bitterness of "not winning" moments that make the moments of success so sweet. Now matter what the outcome, twirlers are encouraged to do their best---and to recognize that others are also striving to do their best. Whatever the results---being on both sides of the coin helps to empathize with competitors.

These are just some of the great things about this sport. If you would like to learn more you can simply "google" baton twirling or call 303-683-5599; or email: amtwirls@mac.com for upcoming clinics, classes & competitions in the state.
You won't regret it.




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CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

Amber Lena

Highlands Ranch , CO

Amber Lena has posted 102 stories and 15 comments since joining on 9/14/2005. Amber Lena 's average story rating is 4.85.
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