TWYRL TYPE HIGHLIGHTS
|
|
|||||||||
|
Welcome to the TWYRL TYPE
HIGHLIGHTS page!
On this page, we will highlight selected articles from recent issues for enjoyment by all.
ARCHIVES: There are some articles featured in Twyrl Type that are so popular we receive numerous requests to repeat the information. -What is Twirling Unlimited? - Why Restrictions? - Do You Really Want to Promote Twirling? - What Image Are You Projecting? - It's All About Timing - Professional Courtesy - How to Make the Most of Summer Camp - Tips For College Auditions - Ready for Competition? -The Importance of Basics To access these archived articles, click HERE |
|||||||||
|
JUNE 2010 |
|||||||||
|
TWIRLING IS ALIVE AND WELL - TAKE 2 In the last issue, we told about two extra large twirling competitions in Florida and Ohio which demonstrated to everyone that twirling is “alive and well” . Now—more evidence is rolling in! Recently we’ve been told that state competitions in Michigan and Pennsylvania had record numbers of participants. Both contest directors reported that it was their largest competition ever—and one noted that it was especially exciting because the largest increase in contestants was at the Novice level. That means that more youngsters are being introduced to the wonderful sport of baton twirling! Kudos to all the teachers who are promoting baton twirling on a local level. One of the Michigan teachers indicated that her students participate in an annual event at the local zoo. ALL the twirlers (even the brand new ones) participate in a performance at the zoo during a special charity event to raise money for the kidney foundation. In return, the twirlers get a free zoo admission and they spend the rest of the day after the performance enjoying the zoo with their families. What a great combination of community service and fun—and what great publicity for twirling! We can only imagine how many other youngsters see the zoo performance and decide to sign up for twirling lessons, too! Parades, performances, charity events, talent shows, football games, basketball games —these are all wonderful ways to give our twirlers performing experience and at the same time keep twirling in the public eye so that a new generation will “catch” the twirling bug!
LATE ENTRIES One of the features of TWIRLING UNLIMITED competitions is the fact that we take late entries, up to and including the day of the competition. There is a small fee for this service. There are several reasons for doing this. One is that mistakes can happen—it is possible that the registration was sent in and we didn’t receive it—or we didn’t properly handle it. We may have goofed! Two: twirlers and their families are often involved in many activities, and it is sometimes difficult to predict whether the schedule will work out to attend a certain competition—or part of a competition. When it does—it is nice to be able to come, even though it is the last minute. Three: Sometimes twirlers who are already at the competition will decide to add another event—perhaps try that new 2 baton routine or maybe do a second solo to try to improve on the first performance. Since one of the main purposes of TU competitions is to provide performance experience, it is nice for twirlers to have the flexibility to add an event on the spur of the moment—or even decide to attend a competition at the last minute. We try to walk the fine line between being able to prepare for an efficient competition while still staying flexible to accommodate participants.
|
|||||||||
|
MAY 2010 |
|||||||||
|
|||||||||
|
APRIL 2010 |
|||||||||
|
SUMMER CAMP DISCOUNT It’s time to begin thinking about summer plans—and you might be considering summer camp for your twirler this year. TU is pleased to announce that we have a special “Returning Camper discount” at all 3 of our camps this year. If you have been a full-time camper at any TU camp in the past— you receive a discount at any of our 2010 summer camps! As before—there is also a discount for any groups of 4 or more campers registering together—and any teacher bringing 9 campers gets camp registration FREE! Summer camps are designed to broaden twirling background while providing a developmentally appropriate experience. Check out details on our camp brochures online!
VIRGINIA IS FOR TWIRLERS! Once again—we are delighted to announce that Baton Twirling has been included as part of the Coventry Commonwealth Games of Virginia! Twirling Unlimited will be coordinating this competition on June 5, sponsored by Pizzazz. Twirlers from ALL states are welcome to participate in the Blue Ridge TwirlFest competition and twirlers from any states except ME, NE, MA & AZ are welcome to compete in Commonwealth Games events (these states have their own State Games). Information brochures and entry forms are available online. Log on to www.twirlingunlimited.com and click on “contest calendar and brochures”. Scroll down to June —and click on the link for information.
|
|||||||||
|
MARCH 2010 |
|||||||||
|
SPECIAL EVENTS AT YORK We’re delighted to announce that the York Regional will be “flying high” this year! We’ve been working together with the organizers of “Sky Jam Pennsylvania” (a hot air balloon festival) and we have some special events planned for those attending the York, PA Regional on May 29-30. -TWO Hot Air Balloon Ride raffles! EVERY contestant entering an individual event will receive one free ticket for the contestant raffle. A second raffle will be held where tickets may be purchased. The winner of each raffle will receive a free hot air balloon ride so two lucky people will be “flying high”! - EVERY group receiving first place in a Regional event will be invited to perform at Sky Jam PA. The festival will be held June 11-12-13 at the York fairgrounds and will feature live entertainment throughout the 3 day event. Each first place group will be invited to be a part of this live entertainment. - Winners of all open modeling events will be called “Miss Sky Jam” Don’t miss the chance to be a part of this fun-filled event! Mark your calendars now for May 29 (individuals) and May 30 (groups)! This is Memorial Day weekend, so it gives an extra day for travel or family fun. York is less than an hour from Hershey, PA— the chocolate capitol of the world! York , PA is in a great, central location—only 1 hour from Baltimore, 2 hours from Philadelphia, 2 1/2 hours from Trenton, NJ, 2 1/2 hours from Altoona, PA, 3 hours from NYC, and 2 hours from Washington DC!
DIRECTORY AVAILABLE The 2010 edition of the Teachers/Judges Directory is now available! The directory includes twirling professionals from over the US and Canada—and representing every major twirling organization. It is a great resource for those looking for teachers, coaches or judges. Those who are listed in the directory have already received their complimentary copies. Any others interested in purchasing a copy for reference may order one from Twirling Unlimited. The cost is $3 and includes return mailing. Send your order to: Twirling Unlimited Directory 700 Ghent Rd Akron, OH 44333
|
|||||||||
|
FEBRUARY 2010 |
|||||||||
|
FROM THE READERS Thank you to Dr. Franck and the Twirling Unlimited organization for hosting another fun TU Miss Holiday Contest. Things are difficult in Michigan with respect to the economy. Lots of sad stories of unemployment and hard times for families. This contest gives students a day to just be kids and have fun. It features loads of fun, a chance to hang out with twirling friends, and a fun awards ceremony. The arrival of Santa Claus with a present for EACH pageant twirler allows all students to leave with something regardless of contest placement. Thank you, especially to Sue Roach, Director of Twirl Michigan, for the extra love and care she displays in the special Christmas gifts, Christmas awards, and Christmas Decorations. I know she plans for this all year as she shops for just the right gifts and awards. She does a GREAT job at this!! It is, in my opinion, the most fun contest of the year!! This was our 11th consecutive Miss Holiday. We look forward to it each and every year!! Rhonda Muscaro Director, Twirl-Ms
|
|||||||||
|
JANUARY 2010 |
|||||||||
|
RULES CHANGES Twirling Unlimited considers changes to the rules in response to public input or to clarify events. As always, our basic goal is to offer twirling competitions that welcome twirlers from ALL organizations to participate, with a minimum of changes necessary to their existing routines. The following is a summary of the changes to the rules for 2010: · The Senior Division for the Regional and International Miss TU Pageants, and the Regional and International Solos has been changed to 18 and over. This better reflects the maturity levels and also will divide the age divisions more evenly. · A College Majorette division has been added to the “majorette squad” event (see below) · Strut Team rules have been modified to include the statement: “One baton per member only.” This is to maintain strut team as a single baton event, rather than involving novelty equipment. · Labels for marching events have eliminate d the word “strut” for clarification. Events involving only marching (Basic and Military) will use the term “march’ to avoid confusion with the more difficult Fancy Strut event. A complete copy of TU Rules is available online. Log on to: www.twirlingunlimited.com and click on “Rule Book” - or you can request a printed copy from TU headquarters. Just send a stamped (it takes 2 stamps), self-addressed envelope to: TU Rules, 700 Ghent Rd, Akron, OH 44333
COLLEGE MAJORETTE DIVISION ADDED By popular request, we have expanded the “Majorette Squad” event to include a College Majorette level. We have always offered Jr. High and Sr. High Majorette squad divisions—and will now offer a College level division, as well. This will apply to all local, & Regional contests, as well as the International competition in July.
|
|||||||||
|
NO DECEMBER ISSUE |
|||||||||
|
NOVEMBER 2009 |
|||||||||
|
DO WE HAVE YOUR E-MAIL? Technology progresses—and we are doing our best to keep up with the times. In the near future, we plan to send some issues of Twyrl Type via e-mail. We are still in the process of developing this aspect, but we want to begin to collect e-mail addresses, so we are prepared. Many of you have contacted us by e-mail before, so we have an e-mail address for you, but if you have never received an e-mail from us, please take the time to give us your e-mail address now! Just e-mail: twirlingunlimited@hotmail.com and put “ADD ME” in the subject line. Be sure to include your name and State or Province in the message so we can connect your e-mail address to your other mailing information in our files. We’re excited to take this next step in communication and look forward to being in contact with you via the internet soon!
|
|||||||||
|
OCTOBER 2009 |
|||||||||
|
LABELS, LABELS, LABELS Twirling Unlimited’s philosophy has always been to offer competitions where twirlers can come together to participate, regardless of which organization they are affiliated with. But one difficulty is that each organization has their own labels for events—and this is sometimes confusing. Every organization offers a marching event—but under a variety of names. “Basic Box”, “ Basic Strut”, “Box March”, or just “Basic”. All of these events are the same (marching in a square) but often new twirlers find it difficult to decipher which event their coaches want them to enter. Beginning this fall, all TU competitions and entry forms will refer to this event as “Basic March”. Hopefully, by eliminating the word “strut” from the label, it will help new contestants to separate the marching events from the more involved “strut” event, and make it easier for coaches to convey which event the twirler should enter.
ENTRY FEES In recognition of the distressed economy, and in an effort to help families continue their involvement in twirling, TU has determined that entry fees and late fees for all open events will remain the same for this competition year. We have not raised open entry fees since 2006, and will attempt to hold the line as long as possible. You can help do your part to keep costs down by entering before the deadline when your plans are firm.
|
|||||||||
|
SEPTEMBER 2009 |
|||||||||
|
NEW REGIONAL AGE GROUPS Announcing……. New age groups for the 2 oldest divisions! Beginning September 1, the designated age groups for the two older divisions at the Regional and International competitions will change to 15-17 and 18+. We feel that these age groupings more closely reflect maturity levels—and will also help distribute the number of competitors more evenly in the divisions. These new age groups will apply to the Regional Solo and Regional Miss TU Majorette divisions at ALL Regional competitions. In addition, the new age groups will apply to all the individual International title events (solo, strut, 2-Baton & 3 Baton) and the Miss TU World Majorette competition. This means that twirlers who have previously won one of the Senior International novelty events (strut, 2-baton or 3 baton) will be eligible to compete again at the internationals—once they have reached the age of 18. The age group for the novelty events at the Regional competitions (strut, 2-Baton & 3-Baton) will remain at 15+. In addition, because the number of contestants at the open competitions does not justify the age split, the age groups for all open competitions will stay the same at 15+. We are continually evaluating our competitions, camps, and all the programs offered by Twirling Unlimited. We receive lots of positive feedback from teachers, contestants and judges and we certainly appreciate the comments. We also appreciate suggestions and continue to strive to improve TU. We’re excited about these new age groups and look forward to implementing them at our upcoming Regional competition in Clyde, OH on Sept 26-27.
HATS OFF TO CORPS DIRECTORS! Spectators always enjoy watching corps performances. Whether it is a group marching down the street in a parade, a unit performing for a local fair or half-time show, or a competition corps performing at a contest, the pageantry and precision of group work is always appealing. But have you thought about how much work is involved in putting together those performances? Certainly we are all aware that it takes time and patience to teach twirling to a large group of students. No matter what the skill level of the performing group, there has been many hours devoted to learning to march, twirl, dance and perform. But group directors know that there is much more than that involved in putting together a group presentation. Selecting and editing music is the first step, then the choreography begins. Designing the floor patterns and movements, and developing the theme through the twirling and dance moves takes not only a great deal of time, but lots of creative thinking, as well. But if you think that’s the end of the story —think again! After the initial plan is made, the myriad details begin to surface. Designing, ordering and fitting costumes is an essential part of creating the “picture”, but a very time-consuming process. Props, equipment and backdrops are another huge part of planning—not to mention the construction, storage and care. Then there’s the scheduling! Practices, performances, parades, competitions. Communicating with a large group of twirlers and parents is no small task (even with today’s technology) and trying to coordinate schedules, instructions, and transportation can be a daunting task. And of course, money doesn’t grow on trees—and costumes, lessons, entry fees and transportation all cost money, so fund-raising is a part of almost every group’s activities. Choosing fund-raising projects, handling the logistics and deciding the distribution or allocation of the profits are all part of being a corps director. Then—like it or not—personality conflicts enter the picture and jealousy occasionally arises, so corps directors become psychologists and mediators as well, trying to keep everyone in the “family” happy. And oops—what do you do if a corps member grows 4 inches in 6 months and can no longer fit in her costume? Or another member breaks her wrist the day before a competition? Suffice it to say—there is a LOT involved in directing a corps! Most corps directors have parents (and perhaps other staff members) to help with many details—but ultimately, the decisions and the arrangements all fall back on the director. Despite all this work—there are many dedicated directors out there doing a fantastic job. Every time a group (large or small) performs in a parade—more youngsters see baton twirling and decide to take up the sport. Every time a majorette squad takes the field to perform, more people get to see the skill involved in twirling a baton. And every time a corps travels to a competition, young people have another new experience in travel and performing that helps them develop skills for life. So HATS OFF to corps directors! You’re helping youngsters to create memories, friendships, and skills that last a lifetime.
|
|||||||||
|
AUGUST 2009 |
|||||||||
|
TU INTERNATIONAL RESULTS ISSUE Wow— this year’s competition was the biggest and best ever! We welcomed contestants from Canada to Florida, Iowa to Virginia and all points in between. The number of competitors and groups involved increased significantly over last year, but we were still able to accommodate the entire event in the three day schedule. The pizza party hosted record numbers and twirlers and their families enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and the chance to meet and visit with their friends and friendly competitors. As always, the Canton Civic Center facility is an awesome venue for twirlers. The tremendous height allows plenty of room for even the highest tosses and the surrounding theater seating makes comfortable viewing for the audience. Eliminating the door admission charge this year made for a more relaxing beginning for all three days—and judges and competitors alike commented about the friendly atmosphere and the courteous interaction between all the contestants. The addition of the Cultural Center as a third competition area for the groups on Sunday enabled us to keep the all the group events on one day and still finish competing by 5:00 p.m. In addition, the long foyer was a perfect venue for the strut teams and helped give them more room to travel in their performance. The judging staff included representatives from all major twirling organizations and there was stiff competition for all the International titles. Top winners are included in this issue. For a complete listing, please visit our website at www.twirlingunlimited.com Plans are already underway for next year’s event. Join us July 9, 10, 11, 2010 in Canton, Ohio NOTE: All results are posted on the TU website
|
|||||||||
|
JULY 2009 |
|||||||||
|
FROM THE PRESIDENT All of you who have attended our TU contests know that I am constantly announcing that one of the great benefits from twirling is “rolling with the punches” - and that means twirlers and parents. We all had an opportunity to practice this at the Canadian Regionals in mid-May. There was a mandatory power outage the night before which delayed the originally planned start time by an hour. Everyone -judges, parents, twirlers - all pitched in and we started the competition right on time on the adjusted schedule. Our international judges stepped up to welcome twirlers from Canada, as well as from Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan and New York. The facilities at Brock University are great! St. Catharines is a delightful destination on its own… and is just twenty minutes from Niagara Falls. We were able to negotiate an excellent rate at local motels. We have not totally caught on to the money, but we operated on even exchange at the contest so it was no problem. Our plan is to hold our Canadian Regionals at this delightful location next year—probably at the same time. Mark it on your calendar! This regional has the special distinction of offering open solo and duet show routines, which we do not normally do at the regional competitions. (It is made possible because we have a second performing area available.) To get to Canada from the US, adults will need a current passport; children 15 & under need only a certified copy of their birth certificate to cross the border without any complications. Adults can obtain one of the new passport cards if they are driving in; a standard passport is needed for air travel. -Ardath Franck
|
|||||||||
|
JUNE 2009 |
|||||||||
|
SUMMER CAMP FUN Summer twirling camp is always a great combination of fun and learning. It’s a great chance to meet new friends, learn from different instructors, and improving your twirling skills. Twirling Unlimited offers 3 camps: Ohio, Michigan and Pennsylvania. The focus is on expanding twirling and dancing background, mastering new skills and trying a whole range of new equipment, new tricks and new experiences. Camps are priced to make them affordable and prices include all instruction, housing and food for the duration. Day Camper Option: If your schedule or your budget won’t allow the 3 day stay— why not come for a day as a day camper? Check out all the options at www.twirlingunlimited.com “Camp Schedule”
|
|||||||||