Starline Baton Company is a one stop shop for everything a baton twirler needs. Beginners and professionals alike know that our products are of the highest quality and address all baton twirlers’ needs. What we find fascinating is the long history behind baton twirling and we are delighted that the artistry of baton twirling is still relevant today. Here is a history of baton twirling that we believe you may find just as interesting as we do.

First, we need to start with a basic question: What is baton twirling? A long metal rod is maneuvered by the hands and used in a rhythmic routine. The baton can be thrown in the air and twirled in front of the body or beside the body. The manipulation of the baton creates an intricate visual form and a baton twirler must possess speed, grace, precision and dexterity. A fusion of music, gymnastics and dance, combined with the baton, creates an aesthetically pleasing routine, delighting audiences worldwide.

As for the history of baton twirling, many would be surprised to know that the origins of the sport have roots Asia and Eastern Europe. Some think that celebratory festivals featuring performers who twirled knives, torches, sticks and guns to delight crowds first introduced baton twirling to the world. Eventually, that type of performance evolved into military units across the world twirling actual rifles as they marched. As time progressed, the rifle was replaced with an instrument called the mace, which is much larger than a baton. When you think of a high-stepping drum major in a high school or college marching band, the long, ornate stick they wield is known as a mace. This mace was very popular in America following WWII, helping to rouse crowds alongside bands and marches. Ultimately the mace was shortened for easier manipulation, and became what we now know as the baton. Some think that the fact that women, also called drum majorettes, started in on the twirling action was the reason the staff was shortened. Luckily for us, the shortening of the mace made greater fluidity of movement and baton quickness possible.

Posted: 5/27/2014