The U.S. National Baton Twirling Championship took place in Beaumont, Texas starting July 13th. Top of the line twirlers competed for the gold in this exciting event that happens each year. Next year, make sure you’re performance ready by getting the proper equipment for all your competition needs at Star Line Baton.

• History: In Eastern Europe and Asia, baton twirling started when people did tricks with things like knives and sticks. This was upgraded into guns twirled by people in the army for entertainment during parades. The gun was then exchanged for a mace, offering poor stability for twirlers. In the end, the mace was adjusted to be lighter for an easier opportunity to twirl, and became the baton that many performers use today. The sport of baton twirling was brought to the United States by Major Millsap with the formation of Millsap’s College. Thanks to him, there are now multiple organizations and national competitions for baton twirling.
• The Sport: Baton twirling involves using a metal rod and the body to perform a routine. Three main characteristics include how a performer uses the baton, dance and movement with the baton, and gymnastic elements. The twirler uses the baton by turning, rolling, and tossing it in the air. Performers must have proper timing to toss and catch a baton. Dance is also incorporated into baton twirling, showing off flexibility and beauty. Gymnastic qualities such as tumbling and other skills create risk. This is all coordinated to some sort of music. There are individual as well as paired or groups of twirlers, with anyone from novice stages to elite stages competing. Individual twirlers can use up to three batons at a time in a routine, while groups of twirlers need to perfectly match each other.

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Posted: 7/29/2015

At Star Line Baton, we know exactly what performers need to be successful in baton twirling. Performers must always be aware of their movements and how it affects their bodies. Some may not know about the little things they do everyday that are hindering their growth. Here are the top 3 things performers are most likely doing wrong.

• Stretching: Too often, baton twirlers like to sit down before a class and do static stretching. Static stretching happens when you hold a certain pose to make your muscles more flexible. This kind of stretching can be more harmful than beneficial, as it lowers strength and power in the muscles. What performers should be doing instead is dynamic stretching, or any type of movement with less intensity and a large range of motion. Static stretching doesn’t have to be eliminated for good and should be reserved for the very end of the class.
• Walking: While practicing baton twirling, your feet may be too used to the constant turnout position. Walking like this outside of dance class and performances can wreak havoc on your muscles and bones. The stress on your feet can also have an affect on your spine, hips, and other areas. Be sure to walk normally and don’t force your feet to turnout when you don’t need to.
• Turnout: Dancers are always trying to improve their turnout, but should be more careful about forcing their feet to do it. Doctors say that too much turnout can lead to complications with various joints in the body. A better way to practice turnout is to effectively stretch the hip muscle. Many performers forget that correct turnout starts out in the hip and extends all the down to their toes. A good exercise is to lie on your side with knees bent and open and close your leg using your hip muscle.

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Posted: 7/13/2015