What we see today as baton twirling was not always how it was seen. By today's definition, baton twirling is a game or sport used to create visual art by demonstrating smoothness, physical fitness, beauty, gymnastics (which adds excitement and a variation of physical moves), speed, and fluidity when handling the baton close to your body and when released into the air. Not only is it the physical and visual requirements that make up baton twirling, it's also the ability to twirl in time with music. Being able to tell a story with your body while twiling a baton to the beat of music is what encompasses technical merit and artistic expression. If this is what baton twirling is today, what was it like before?

It began in Eastern Europe and Asia and was often displayed at dance festivals; but the dancers used a variety of visual props from knives, to guns and sticks. Eventually a form of baton twirling was incorporated into the military; but instead they twirled rifles during marches to lead the army. The rifle was later traded out for a "mace", which is larger than the average baton (generally used by a mace barer or a drum major) and is still currently used in marching bands. This type of twirling was very popular in the United States following World War II, and because of it, the maces were physically changed to make it easier to twirl. In order to give more accuracy to the twirler, the mace was made from light, hollow metal. Whether the change is a coincidence or not, women became increasingly interested in mace twirling during that time. The focus shifted from using mace twirling for military use to parades, marching bands, and general entertainment.

As the sport became increasingly popular, the World Baton Twirling Federation (WBTF) was formed in 1977 in London, England. This foundation brought together people from different countries that wanted to develop, encourage, and standardize the sport. The WBTF didn't establish their by-laws until 1978, where they approved and discussed international rules of competition. But what started out as a vision, a dream and a goal, finally became a reality. The first World Demonstration of Baton Twirling took place on March 31st in 1979 in Venice, Italy where over 10,000 people watched.

Baton twirling brings as many spectators today as it did back then. The United States still uses baton twirling performances for half-time shows during football games, parades, marching bands, in theme parks, in carnivals, and more! The beauty, agility, strength and fluidity of the sport still enchant and impress people today. Interested in creating your own visual art? At Star Line Baton Company, we offer a wide variety of batons and baton twirling accessories. All of our products are top quality products sold at a reasonable price. Give our baton company a call at 931-528-7829 or visit our online store.

Posted: 5/24/2013