TWYRL TYPE ARCHIVES

The following articles, originally featured in specific issues of Twyrl Type, have information that remains significant throughout the years.  By popular request, we have gathered them here for all to access.

WHAT IS TWIRLING UNLIMITED?

 As more and more twirlers “discover” Twirling Unlimited and TU competitions expand to other areas of the country, more people ask “What IS Twirling Unlimited?”

  Twirling Unlimited is NOT just “another organization”. It is a consortium of twirling teaches and judges who are united in their efforts to promote baton twirling.  It has long been recognized by those attempting to promote public acceptance of baton twirling that one of the things hindering us is the splintering within the ranks of baton twirlers themselves. In other words—we are our own worst enemy!  Members of each specific twirling organization find it hard to “cross-over” to  participate in another organization’s events.  Sometimes it is the difference in performance rules, sometimes it is the lack of welcome, and sometimes participation is even specifically restricted to “members only”.  The sad thing is that much of this “exclusionary” attitude originated from long-ago political differences between a few individuals. 

  Recognizing this atmosphere of distrust, Twirling Unlimited was formed over 30 years ago to try to provide “neutral ground” for twirlers to meet and participate without fear of being considered an “outsider”. With no specific ties to any of the major twirling organizations, TU attempts to serve as an “umbrella” - providing events where all twirlers are welcome—regardless of organizational affiliation. Hence our motto: “Where Twirlers Meet”.

   This philosophy is the driving force behind most of the decisions that govern TU.  Our penalties are minimal and are limited to those recognized by all major organizations.  Time limits are broad enough to incorporate all organizations’ requirements.  Participation is open to any interested twirler, regardless of organizational affiliation and there is no membership fee required.  Judges certified by all major organizations are used to adjudicate TU events.

  The result has been an unprecedented “sharing” and intermingling of twirlers and teachers from all organizations.  The most common compliment we receive at TU competitions is how much people enjoyed the event because of the friendly atmosphere.  Our competitions regularly have twirlers who are members of NBTA, USTA, WTA, DMA and many other smaller organizations. They appreciate the opportunity to perform their routines as they are normally accustomed, and have the benefit of different  judges and new competitors. 

  There are positive signs of change in the twirling world.  In recent years, we have seen some new events offered that attempt  to provide competitions open to all contestants, not one specific organization.  Many of these have focused on the elite and collegiate levels of competition, but it is gratifying to see their acceptance and success.  Some states are doing an excellent job of encouraging mutual support of different organizations’ competitions (Colorado and Michigan come to mind). 

   By contrast, we are disappointed when we see continuing evidence of the “old school” view, as represented by a recent phone call to our headquarters.  A twirler who had entered a TU competition called to withdraw her entry as she had been told she “wasn’t allowed to twirl with anyone else”.  This narrow-minded type of thinking will continue to hinder the expansion of twirling and ultimately the growth of public interest in baton twirling.

  Twirling Unlimited will continue to foster a spirit of friendly competition, encourage the development of twirling, and  welcome twirlers from all organizations to come together.  We hope you’ll join us!

The philosophy of Twirling Unlimited has always been to bring twirlers from ALL organizations together for friendly competition—and to promote baton twirling.  To this end—our rules encompass the rules of all organizations, and our time limits are broad enough so that twirlers can perform their routines as they do in their own organization, without having to make changes.  The only exception to this is the restrictions Twirling Unlimited places on the tricks performed in the developmental levels of twirling (Levels 1-4 or “Special Beginner” through “Intermediate”).

    In some cases, it seems that teachers and twirlers have lost perspective when it comes to the purpose of the developmental levels of competition.  Originally, there were NO levels of competition.  All twirlers of a certain age competed against each other!  As participation in twirling competitions grew, gradually various levels were added, so that there are now commonly 5 different levels of “progression”.  These are designed to make new twirlers comfortable—and to give all twirlers a chance to have some success as they gain experience and progress step-by-step to higher levels of competition.  However—we sometimes forget that the levels are designed for just that: progression.  They were NOT designed for twirlers to remain at a level long enough to achieve a state or national “win” at each level before moving on.

  Because some twirlers “hold back” until they win what they consider a “big” title, we sometimes find twirlers labeled “Beginner” (or Novice or Intermediate) who are doing tricks that most certainly do not reflect a “Beginner” (or Novice or Intermediate) status.  Some twirlers and teachers seem to  have lost the perspective that these are levels to gain experience (not titles) and that pride in achievement should come with improvement and progression to higher levels, more than first place trophies at developmental levels.  It is sad to see that most feel more pride in  an Intermediate “state” win than in achieving the level of an Advanced competitor and placing in the top 5 of her state competition.

  To maintain the integrity of the developmental levels of twirling, TU has the following restrictions:

Level 1 (Special Beginner), No more than a 1 turn and no more than 2 consecutive elbow rolls.

Level 2 (Novice): No more than a 2 turn and no more than 4 continuous elbows.

Level 3 (Beginner ): No more than a 3 turn and no more than 6 continuous elbows

Level 4 (Intermediate):  No more than a 4 turn and no more than 8 continuous elbows.

Obviously there are many things that contribute to a twirler’s expertise and these restrictions only limit a few tricks, but it is a start at recognizing the purpose of the developmental levels of twirling.    As twirlers gain expertise, they should be encouraged to move on to higher levels of competition to challenge themselves, and the achievement of moving up to a higher level of competition should be celebrated as much as (if not more than) a “first place” win.

DO YOU REALLY WANT TO PROMOTE TWIRLING?

In numerous conversations over the years we have heard many people lament that the number of young people involved in twirling is falling and that they would “really like to promote baton twirling.”  Then, at least 75% if the time, they launch into a discussion of how twirlers should get more air time on TV, more press coverage, more recognition, etc. etc.

      Of course we would all like the public to understand how much dedication goes into becoming a top twirler, but if you REALLY want to promote baton twirling, consider thinking about promoting from the bottom up – instead of from the top down.  While the total number of twirlers may be declining, twirling participation is actually up in some areas – due to strong programs at the “grass-roots” level of twirling.  To grow the numbers of twirlers, we have to go to the public – and introduce the magic of the “silver stick” to large numbers of youth, instead of focusing just on the competitive level.

       There are many terrific twirling programs out there.  Here are a few suggestions from some of them:

      1) Do a clinic!  Local High School majorettes (or older members of a local corps) can teach a 2 or 3 hour clinic for any youngster who wants to try twirling.  Have old batons available for the students to use, so anyone can come – and keep the clinic fee very affordable.  An added plus would be if the clinic participants could be included in an appearance at the halftime of a basketball game.  T-shirts from the clinic (or even plain white shirts) along with a pair of dark shorts is all that is needed for a “uniform” - and the students need only march on the floor, do a few figure 8s or flat twirls and pose while the older girls perform.  What a thrill for a youngster to be part of a performance!

     2) Start classes through a recreation center.  Rec programs are often looking for new activities to offer and, with an established set-up for facilities and finances, this is an easy way for a new teacher to get started.

     3) Approach a dance studio.  Dance studios that don’t currently offer baton instruction are often interested in expanding their class “offerings”, and might be willing to add  baton twirling as an individual class or a part of a “combo” class.

     4) If you already have a group – get out and perform!  Visibility brings more “recognition” for your current twirlers and more “advertising” for new members.  While it is sometimes hard to get permission to perform at a high school football or basketball halftime, it is much easier to be invited to do a halftime at a girl’s basketball game – or a JV or middle school basketball game.   Local, small colleges are often looking for halftime entertainment for football and basketball, too.

     5) Do parades!  There isn’t any activity more associated with baton twirling in the public’s mind than parades.  One clever teacher has parents hand out free “batons” (actually inexpensive plastic tubes with streamers on the end) with the name and phone number of the twirling corps attached.  Many a youngster has been “bitten” by the twirling bug while watching a parade!

   So often, teachers only want to teach competition twirlers or twirlers who already have some experience.  Bickering between teachers over existing students does nothing to expand the number of twirlers involved—and hurts the image of baton twirling.  If you really want to promote baton twirling – invite a little girl to become a majorette – and see the sparkle in her eyes!

Share the fun!

WHAT IMAGE ARE YOU PROJECTING?

  Twirlers often lament that a band director will not allow majorettes with their marching band. This is especially disconcerting to those twirlers who have worked hard to perfect their craft and have not even been allowed to tryout or show the band director what skills they possess.  It is easy to criticize a director for being “narrow-minded” or “unwilling to change”, but sometimes a director’s reasoning has validity.

  Consider these 2 examples: (these are true stories, but the names have been changed)

1)        Like many universities, a major midwestern school  recently  had a “band clean-up day”, where marching band members all pitch in to help clean up the band room and equipment in preparation for the fall marching season.  Like the rest of the band members, the girl holding the feature twirler position helped wash equipment and scrub floors. At the end of the day, the director made a special point of commending the girl and announced to the entire band “This is the first time EVER that a feature twirler has participated in band cleanup day.”

2)        Another well-known university  had a single feature twirler (Barbara) last year.  This year, a second girl  (Alice) was added and the two are considered co-features.  Only a few weeks after Alice started, a band member was heard to comment to another member:  “It’s a good thing we knew Barbara last year, otherwise we wouldn’t want anything to do with twirlers.”

  Like it or not, every twirler or majorette carries with her the reputation of ALL twirlers—both with the band director and with the public. It is obvious from these examples that some twirlers are projecting a “prima dona” image.  It is sad to think that these twirlers could have a negative effect on a band director’s decision to have twirlers in the future .

  A band director is responsible for a large number of students.  A twirler or a majorette line is only a small percentage of the total—and an optional one, at that.  Unless he or she feels that the twirlers/majorettes are an enhancement to the band, s/he may decide life is easier without them!  Here are some tips for helping convince a band director that twirlers are an asset to his/her group:

·          Be a team player!  While many times, twirlers have developed their skills as a solo competitor, when performing with a marching band, you are part of a group.  It is important to attend all rehearsals and performances.  Any extra practice in the gym is part of being a featured performer;  it is important to be out on the field with all the rest of the band members during regular practices.  Participate in clean-up days, fundraisers, pep rallies and other optional events.  While you may hold a “featured” position, you are still part of the group!

·          Be cooperative!  You don’t always have to be on the 50 yard line—or center stage.   Directors sometimes find it challenging to incorporate one or two individual performers into a group formation.  This may also mean  some last-minute changes in your position, or even to the music.  Be gracious and adaptable as directors try to work out details.

·          Be sociable!  While perhaps not intending to, many twirlers project a “stand-offish” image just because they stay to themselves.  Being a part of a group working toward a common goal is one of the best experiences a person can have—but you have to BE part of the group,.

  Remember that the twirlers are NOT the focus of the band’s entire performance.  You are an accent to an ensemble—and if you are more of a negative during rehearsals than you are a positive during performances, a band director could easily decide twirlers aren’t worth the effort.

  Performing is only one aspect of a twirler’s relationship with the band and its director.  There is also attitude, cooperation, work ethic, and dedication to the group.  What image of twirlers are YOU projecting?

IT'S ALL ABOUT TIMING

by Candy Kimball 

Since the rules for the use of the baton in strutting vary widely between organizations, some wonder what really defines “strutting”.  The answer:  it’s all about timing!  Regardless of any floor pattern required, or any limitations on the use of the baton, timing is an essential part of every strut and, in truth, timing is what makes strutting….....strutting!

   Strutting was designed to incorporate graceful bodywork and flow of movement while moving to a specific tempo.  Essentially, it is “choreography” to a tempo, rather than to a specific theme or piece of music.  This tempo should be maintained throughout the routine – not just on marching steps.

   March music commonly used for twirling is written in 4/4 time and generally the phrases of the music are in sets of 8.  Does this mean marches all have to begin on a “1” or a “5”  count?  Certainly not!  But a strutter who begins and ends marching or feature moves within the phrasing of the music should be rewarded with a higher score in timing. One who starts marching on a “3” or a “7” is certainly not out of step – but she doesn’t demonstrate the same sophistication of timing.

   An “out of step” penalty is assessed when a twirler’s foot doesn’t hit the floor on the proper beat of the music.  This does NOT mean that an out of step penalty is issued every time the right foot hits the floor on an odd count or the left foot hits the floor on an even count (step ball changes are an obvious example).  What it DOES mean is that the movement from one trick to another should follow the tempo established by the music and therefore, most of the time, when the foot hits the floor following any type of move, it would be on the beat.  There are certainly exceptions with intricate combinations and feature tricks, but the tempo should be reestablished in an obvious manner following their completion.

   By the same token, kicks, leaps and other forms of bodywork should also follow the tempo of the music.  Kick, step, kick, step on 1-2 -3-4 is a classic example of a “non-march” move that still maintains the tempo and beat.  Even movements such as spins and illusions follow the tempo as they should begin and end on a specific beat rather than wherever it “feels good” to the strutter – or even worse, whenever she happens to lose her balance.  Fouette’ turns are an example of an advanced dance move that conforms perfectly to the timing as the plie’, releve’ movement should be executed in time with the music as the spin is performed.  Certainly, an out of step penalty is not issued if a fouette’ isn’t done on the beat. Rather, a judge may consider giving a higher score in the timing category when a strutter demonstrates this type of ability.

   The timing caption allows the judge to evaluate and score general timing ability that may not be reflected in “out-of-step” infractions.  A strutter who stops often for poses certainly does not warrant an “out of step” penalty, but she does not exhibit the same intricacy of timing as another strutter whose routine has more continuous motion and still maintains proper timing.  The ability to exhibit continuous motion in sync with the tempo of the music is the essence of the scoring of the timing caption.

PROFESSIONAL COURTESY

By Ann-Nita McDonald 

I get a number of calls asking me to recommend judges for a variety of events.  I am happy to do this, as it is helpful for twirlers to have different judges for competitions and contest directors are not always familiar with judges outside their local area.  However, it puts me in a very difficult position when I recommend a judge, a contest director contacts them, and the judge doesn’t answer …….. AT ALL.

  Many contest directors try to hire judging staff well in advance.  As travel expenses rise higher and higher, it is especially important for contest directors to have adequate time arrange flights.  Early planning helps a director take advantage of lower plane fares. (Anyone who flies knows that the really good fares can disappear in 24 hours.)

  An invitation to judge should receive some kind of response in NO MORE than 48 hours. If you know right away that you will, or won’t be unavailable on that date…. an immediate answer would be appreciated by the contest director.  Obviously, there are circumstances that could prevent you from giving an immediate answer …… and that is acceptable.   But the contest director needs to know that, too.   “I’m checking my schedule; I’ll get back to you.”  A much sought-after reply might be, “I can’t commit at this point, but if you are willing to wait a week, I’ll get back to you.  If you need an answer right now, then I’ll have to decline.”

   If you are contacted by a contest director and you make no effort to reply, the director actually has no way of knowing if you even got the message!  They can’t just assume that the contact information is current, that you are checking your calendar, or that you simply aren’t available.  Don’t leave them guessing!  Step One in being regarded as “professional” is to execute a prompt reply to judging requests.  If you don’t follow this basic courtesy, you may discover that contest directors stop calling.

HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF SUMMER CAMP 

Summer camp can be one of the most memorable experiences a young person can have.  But it does take some preparation—and some understanding—on the part of the camper, the parent and the twirling teacher.

  While participants and details of housing and schedules vary from camp to camp, most twirling camps offer the chance for twirlers to broaden their background with group classes, learning new material from different twirling teachers.  On the life-experience side, it offers a young girl a chance for some independent living in a controlled environment and in some cases, their first experience sleeping away from home without parents.

  Here are some common questions/concerns:

Q:        How can I help prepare my child for camp?

A:   Some prior discussion about the camp experience can help prepare your daughter for the emotional/social experiences at camp.  Talk about the fact that she will be responsible for getting herself to classes, meals, etc.  Make sure she has a clock or watch and knows how to keep track of time.  Make sure she understands that even if she goes with a friend, living with someone 24 hours a day is always a challenge and may require some compromises.  Especially if she is attending with a friend, encourage her to eat, swim or do social things with other campers.  Not only does this help to maximize her camp experience but it helps keep friends from too much “togetherness” and getting on each other’s nerves.

 Q:  I want to be supportive —is it a good idea to have my daughter “check in” with a phone call each night?

A:   Generally the answer is NO.    Many times, a girl is doing just fine—until she calls home.  Then, all of a sudden, she is homesick and crying and both parents and child are upset.  As a parent, it is very hard to leave your child for several days—and not know what is happening. But, this is a classic case of the old adage “No news is good news”.  If anything really IS wrong, the camp director or a member of the staff will be in touch with you.  If everything is going fine—then you don’t need to worry.  So, when you drop your child off, cheerily tell them to have a good time and you’ll see them when you come to pick them up.  Remember—part of the fun of camp is telling you all about it when she comes home!

Q:      What do I do if my daughter DOES call with a problem?

A:   Usually it is best to be sympathetic, but express confidence that she can deal with it.  Frequently, because camp is full of constant activity,  girls are tired when they call and this increases their emotional response.  A good night’s sleep is sometimes all that is needed for a fresh perspective. Encourage her to talk to one of the staff members about how she is feeling.  Sometimes a little adult reassurance does wonders.  If you feel that the problem is  more serious—contact the camp director for insight and assistance.  Promising to come and bring her home is generally a poor solution.  You’re sending her a message that she can’t deal with the situation.  A child can gain a great deal of confidence  by working through a problem—and developing this “can do” attitude is a great life skill.

Q: What can I expect in terms of improving my child’s twirling skills?

A:          Keep in mind that a few days at twirling camp is not a magic potion.  We are always impressed with how much improvement can be made—BUT it is still only a few days.  Girls usually cover a lot of material, but sometimes report that they didn’t learn “anything new” while at camp.  Have her review her camp notes—ask her to show you some of the sections or tricks that she tried.  She should be able to pull out several new tricks or combinations that she can show to her teacher at her next lesson.    One of the best parts of twirling camp is the enthusiasm that carries over long after camp is finished.  It is not uncommon for a girl to have new interest in practicing.  This “boost” can be extended if she keeps in touch with some of her camp friends or meets them at a contest.

  With a little preparation and planning—and an eye on the importance of the total experience-  summer camp can be a true growing experience in many ways.

Last modified:  June 2, 2008