What is Baton Twirling?
Baton twirling is an artistic and aerobic sport that promotes physical fitness and helps fight childhood obesity. Twirling combines dance and gymnastics while manipulating one, two or three batons. Baton is done individually, in pairs and in teams.
Twirling is a great activity for young children because it helps them develop spatial awareness (left, right, up, down, front, back), fine motor skills (which help them use pencils, scissors, keyboards), as well as hand-eye coordination. Children also develop strength, flexibility, stamina, as well as poise and a positive body image, by participating in the sport of baton twirling.
Twirlers of all ages benefit from baton twirling because it teaches “life skills:” teamwork and good sportsmanship, time-management and goal-setting skills, self-confidence and positive self-esteem. Those skills support them throughout their lives; in school and college, as they interview for scholarships or jobs, and as they make professional presentations later in life.
Athletes who pursue competitive twirling learn how to deal with pressure and come to appreciate the rewards of determination and dedication. Many also have the opportunity to travel nationally and internationally.
Some colleges offer twirling scholarships and some of the world’s best twirlers have performed professionally in Cirque du Solei and the Broadway musical “Blast.” Many twirlers become coaches and judges and continue to share their love of the sport with others.