When watching the Olympics I feel a great deal of respect for the dedication displayed by the athletes. The Olympic training road is difficult. The path to being an Elite level twirler and an Olympic hopeful someday is also a long one and requires much dedication and countless hours of practice. Participation in baton clinics is encouraged so that young twirlers learn proper technique and performance skills at an early age. Many older advanced level twirlers are asked to teach at clinics across the country and internationally. As with any sport, the earlier the athlete learns correct twirling technique and showmanship, the movements become more natural and comfortable. Many twirlers attend regular dance and gymnastics classes in addition to twirling instruction.
I just want to say a big THANK YOU to the older more advanced twirlers for their willingness to mentor the younger ones. The younger “novice” twirlers really look up to the “advanced” twirlers and soak up the information like a sponge. I know my daughter attended a camp this summer that Jonathan taught at. It meant alot to her and she really got alot out of the experience, and it is still making a difference today. I look forward to this twirling season and hope to be able to attend a clinic soon. Again Thank You to all the volunteers.
By: Teresa Hunter on November 18, 2009
at 5:01 pm
As a former twirler, and now the Mom of two twirlers, I would love to see baton twirling in the Olympics!!! The kids train hard and are so dedicated to their sport. Twirling is not only a great form of exercise, but it also teachs the kids many life lessons.
By: Beth Frankel on November 18, 2009
at 5:15 pm
Nice website………..Kudos to you!!!
By: Shari on November 18, 2009
at 6:40 pm
Very nice! I am glad to see the progress of twirling. Forty years ago, the “World Championships” were comprised of U.S. and Canadian twirlers. What an incredible difference these days!
By: Pat Gray on November 18, 2009
at 8:14 pm
I also would like to say thank you to the older twirlers who are willing to share their knowledge with the younger athletes. I have 2 advanced twirlers in the younger divisions and I know they view these older more experienced twirlers as celebrities. I appreciate these individuals taking the time to get to know they younger twirlers and thank them for being such great role models. I would like to see the baton clinics continue to pass on the skill and technique needed to further develop these young athletes into true champions inside and out.
By: Kellee Swauger on November 18, 2009
at 10:26 pm
My daughter has been a baton twirler the last 15 of her 17 years of life. She loves it with a passion. She loves competing, performing and teaching the younger kids. It would be wonderful to see this sport at the olympics. Twirling takes so much time and dedication and it would be great to see these athletes get to “showcase” their talents to the world.
By: Deena Ogden on November 19, 2009
at 12:50 am