TWYRL TYPE HIGHLIGHTS
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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. To access these archived articles, click HERE |
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JANUARY 2008 |
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NEW CHANGES FOR 2008 Twirling Unlimited is always listening to twirler and teacher suggestions for improving competitions, rules, and other events. The board considers all suggestions and balances them with the needs of all twirlers, at all levels, in all areas. There is rarely a “perfect” solution, but we do make appropriate changes when we feel it is the best interest of all twirlers. Below are 2 new changes:
SENIOR DIVISION ADDED This year, by popular request, we will add the Senior age group to the Miss TU Pageant and the TU Regional Solo at all of the TU Regional competitions! The senior division (ages 19 +) has been offered at the TU International Competition since 2004. Increasing numbers of twirlers are continuing their competition careers beyond their high school years. The addition of the Senior division was met with enthusiasm, as the Teens (ages 15-18) were separated from the Seniors. We are now expanding this innovation to the Regional competitions, as well. Since the Senior Division begins with age 19, it roughly coincides with graduation from High School. Those twirlers affiliated with a college can use their college songs for the Show Routine portion of the competition, if they wish. However, College affiliation is not a requirement for the Senior division —and the Show Routine music can be any selection of the contestant’s choice. The Senior Division will be added to the Regional Solo as well, mirroring the events available at the International competition. Since the preliminary portion of the Regional Solo is divided into individual age divisions, this divides the age groups more evenly and gives more contestants a chance of qualifying for the Regional “finals”.
SOLO EVENT REQUIRED Beginning Jan. 1, 2008, at those competitions where a pageant is offered, any twirler entering a pageant, must also enter at least one “non-pageant” solo at the same competition. Since its inception, TU has not required twirlers to ‘count’ their pageant wins toward advancement. We feel that the pageants offer twirlers a second chance to get “on the floor” and gain performance experience and they should not have to be concerned about gaining too many “wins” at a single competition. However, we find that twirlers in increasing numbers are entering only the pageant events. Therefore, in order to participate in a pageant event, twirlers will now be required to enter at least one “non-pageant” solo. This could be an open solo, a Regional Solo, a State or instate solo, or a Visitor’s solo. As always, a twirler may enter more solos, but they must enter at least one, in addition to the pageant solo. We feel that this requirement will restore the original intent of the pageant to be a second performance opportunity and help to keep twirlers from remaining too long at one level of competition. PARADES, PARADES, AND MORE PARADES Were you one of the millions of viewers watching the Macy’s Parade on NBC on Thanksgiving Day? If so, then you saw Meredith Sigler performing with the University of Oklahoma marching band. Meredith is a well-known competition twirler from Texas, who was also a member of our TU summer camp staff. What a thrill for all of us twirling enthusiasts to see Meredith get such wonderful coverage on national television! And perhaps some of you saw the NBC Nightly News report on December 13 about the new type of LED lights that are being used to lower energy use across the country? The lead-in to the story was about the holiday lighting at the Gatlinburg, Tennessee parade. A strong contingent of twirlers from the TU Regional competition in Knoxville were a part of this famous parade. According to NBC, there were 80,000 visitors to the annual festival and our parade coordinator reported that spectators were already lining up at 9 a.m. to get a good spot for the evening parade. Every person and float in the parade had to have holiday lights - it gives new meaning to twirlers “sparkling”! But the twirlers adapted to the requirement quite well—and put on a great show for the enthusiastic crowd. Gatlinburg knows how to treat tourists and our twirlers were awed by the impressive light displays on ski slopes, stores and everything else for an entire 5 mile area. Tennessee knows how to celebrate the holidays! Quite a bit colder—but no less enthusiastic—was the crowd at the Niagara Falls, Ontario parade on Nov. 17. Once again, TU was represented in the holiday parade and the audience responded enthusiastically to the twirling performance. Check out the pictures on the TU website! Log on to www.twirlingunlimited.com and click on “Traveling with TU”. It seems like nothing reminds the general public of baton twirling as much as a parade—and what fun to have so many parade opportunities in different areas of the country. Since TU’s philosophy has always been to make twirling as much of a family event as possible, we continue to try to sponsor twirling competitions in association with events that can be enjoyed by the whole family. YOU are invited to join us for one of our holiday parades next year!
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DECEMBER 2007 |
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NEW REGIONAL LOCATION FOR NEW YORK
For the past twenty-five years, Twirling Unlimited has held a
Regional Competition at Old Forge, New York. The was the site of our
first regional and we were so delighted with the community and the people
- they really rolled out the "red carpet" for twirlers and opened their
hearts to us as well. We have presented this in cooperation with the
Central Adirondacks Association and it has been a delightful partnership. INTERVIEW PRACTICE Are interviews a challenge for your twirler? For some girls, conversation comes naturally and interviews are an enjoyable part of pageant competition. For others, an interview is a nerve-wracking experience they would rather ignore. But interview skills can be improved and girls can become more comfortable with the interview requirement. Often it is difficult to find the opportunity to practice interviewing. Many contest directors do not include interviews because it adds to the length of the competition day. Others offer it only when there is a pageant competition involved. To help twirlers have more opportunities to hone their interviewing skills, Twirling Unlimited will offer a clinic lane option for Interviews at many of the upcoming open competitions. Since it is not a competition, the clinic lane option allows flexibility both for the contest director and the twirler. Often, the interview clinic lane can be done at the twirler’s convenience any time during the group competition or during the Best Appearing competition. A twirler can choose to arrive a little early to do the interview before the modeling competition begins, or interview while other contestants are finishing up modeling events. The twirler will receive an interview score sheet with the same kind of comments and scores she would receive if she were being judged in a competition. This gives her not only the opportunity to practice the interview—but some feedback for improvement, as well. Because Twirling Unlimited believes very strongly in the value of the interview experience for developing skills for the future, several years ago we instituted the 50/50 scoring of the modeling portion of the pageant—with modeling contributing half the total score and interview the other half. We’re pleased to now offer the opportunity for twirlers to gain experience in this valuable event. The Interview Clinic lane will not be an option at every TU competition (for example, it will not be offered at Regional competitions), but we will include it as often as possible. Check individual brochures for availability.
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NOVEMBER 2007 |
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SAVINGS BOND PROGRAM EARNS DOLLARS Twirling Unlimited’s savings bond program is well-known. For over 25 years, twirlers have been allowed to turn in their earned trophies for credit toward a savings bond. Credit is given based on the placement earned: $3 for 1st place, $2.50 for 2nd place, $2 for 3rd place. All of the accounting and records are kept by TU headquarters and when sufficient money has been earned, a $50 savings bond is purchased in the twirler’s name. This program is open to ANY twirler competing in an advanced event and we consistently receive “thank-you’s” from twirlers who have cashed in their savings bonds for college tuition, a new twirling costume, or another savings goal. A similar program is available for developmental level twirlers (Levels 1-4). These twirlers may turn in any earned trophies for credit toward attendance at any one of the 4 TU summer camps. Twirling Unlimited’s philosophy has always been to promote baton twirling and to try to keep participation in twirling competitions affordable. For those twirlers whose accumulated trophies are just taking up space, this program offers a practical alternative. For the year 2006, 86 bonds were purchased with a total value of $7,750. The year 2007 looks to have even higher totals. TU is pleased to continue to offer twirlers the chance to turn their awards into savings for some future goal.
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OCTOBER 2007 |
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HAVE YOU CONSIDERED STRUT TEAMS? It is sometimes a rather daunting jump from twirling in parades and performances to participation in twirling competitions. The concept of being in the limelight and being evaluated by experts can be an intimidating prospect to many youngsters. Groups often participate in Dance Twirl or Twirl Team events so that twirlers get a taste for competition in the security of a group performance. Basic marching events and Level 1 Solo competitions are common ways of introducing twirlers to the idea of individual competition. But—have you considered encouraging your students to enter a strut team or a duet strut? It is not uncommon for a twirler’s first performance to be in a parade. He/she has then already learned a marching or “strut” group routine and it is a small step to have 3 or 4 (or more) of the parade group enter a Strut Team event using that same parade routine! It is even easier to see 2 good friends in a group “pairing off” to enter as a duet strut. If participating in twirling competition is your ultimate goal for your students, what a fabulous way to give them a comfortable introduction! They can use a routine they are already familiar with—and can add to it as their capabilities and their progress allows. Strut teams use their own music and the rules require marching the length of the floor—very much like marching past a reviewing stand in a parade. The Parade March event can serve as the same type of introduction for individuals—but it is done to standard march music. These often overlooked events can provide an easy transition from the parade world to the world of competition and might even give some of your students the confidence to eventually try individual competition. POM SOLO In recognition of the fact that most participants prefer to use their own music for Pom Solo, TU will no longer have a “required” song for open Pom Solo at the TU International competition. In addition, Pom Solo will be offered at EVERY TU competition, regardless of whether there is a separate dance event or not. Rules for Pom Solo are minimal: contestants use their own music and the time limit is 1:30. Remember to always bring a cassette tape or your own CD player as a backup if you are using a burned CD. Contestants will find the Pom Solo event listed at the bottom of the individual entry blank for competitions. ABOUT TU HEADQUARTERS Many of our readers are familiar with our address: 700 Ghent Rd, Akron, OH 44333. But did you know that the headquarters for Twirling Unlimited is housed at the Akron Education Campus? For years, the Akron Reading and Speech Center offered individual tutoring in remedial reading, math, speed reading and speech therapy. This year, the programs have expanded exponentially and, in addition to the tutoring program, they now include a fully certified pre-school, after school “homework help”, classes in Kindermusik, Spanish, Chinese, Dance, and Gym-Active (a physical fitness/skills training activity for young children). To accommodate these new programs, the building has doubled in size and the new facility is designed specifically to maximize the effectiveness of the child-centered activities offered there. Along with the expansion comes a new name: The Akron Education Campus. With the wide variety of opportunities and activities, the AEC is a perfect “fit” for housing the headquarters of Twirling Unlimited. The AEC held its grand opening on Aug.8 and has recently introduced a new website explaining all the programs offered there. We invite you to check out the new website www.akroneducationcampus.com to learn more about our headquarters “host”.
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SEPTEMBER 2007 |
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START THE YEAR OUT RIGHT Now is the time when classes are forming, twirlers are re-registering for the year and new twirlers are signing up. What a great time to look ahead and get your year off on the right foot! In keeping with our Character Corner theme of “Responsibility”, below is a checklist of teacher responsibilities for their students and classes. Take a look, evaluate yourself honestly, and make a resolution to try to concentrate on any areas that you feel might need improvement. On the next page, we have a list of parent “responsibilities”. Now is a perfect time to revisit (or introduce to new parents) what you expect of them in relation to their child’s twirling. Clear and realistic expectations presented at the beginning of the year can help to make twirling lessons a positive experience for everyone. Feel free to copy these Parent Guidelines for distribution in your classes, if you feel it will be helpful. Couple these two lists with last month’s “Character Corner” list of twirler responsibilities and you’ll get your year off to a great start! We wish you a successful and productive year of baton twirling!
TEACHER’S PERSONAL CHECKLIST: 1. Do I arrive for lessons on time? 2. Am I always prepared and do I bring my personal best to all lessons and activities? 3. Do I limit personal distractions during class time (no cell phone, limit family or other interruptions of lessons)? 4. Do I gear classes to the level appropriate for the age and ability of the students? 5. Do I encourage each twirler to try his/her best and reward positive effort, not just talent? 6. Do I try to always remember that twirlers are still kids—and try to make the classes fun while encouraging self-discipline? 7. Do I regularly communicate details about lessons and performances to parents? 8. Do I model good sportsmanship at competitions? 9. Do I refrain from gossip and other negative behaviors? 10. Do I show respect for twirlers, parents, other teachers, contest directors and the facilities we use? RESPONSIBILITIES OF PARENTS 1. Arrive on time to all practices and other activities. 2. Supply and help organize batons, footwear, and other equipment for your twirler so he/she is always prepared. 3. Remind your twirler to do and give her/his personal best at all times. Remember that the lessons learned through twirling carry through many other aspects of life. 4. Work with your twirler to create a regular practice schedule and help them follow it. Set realistic expectations and be sure to dedicate some of your time to watching practice sessions, too! 5. Honor financial responsibilities by paying all fees on time. 6. At competitions, model good sportsmanship. Understand that the judge’s decision is final and help your son or daughter to deal appropriately with disappointment and be gracious as a winner. 7. Avoid gossip! It is detrimental to all concerned. If you have a suggestion/concern/issue, please see the director or instructor. 8. Supervise ALL children you bring to lessons, competitions or other activities. 9. Respect the facility and its rules (no smoking, no eating or drinking, etc.) 10. Be a good role model for all our twirlers. They are always watching and listening!
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AUGUST 2007 |
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RESULTS FROM INTERNATIONALS (see listing under "Results" on website)
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JULY 2007 |
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TROPHIES FOR CAMP CREDIT In previous issues, we have highlighted the TU Savings Bond program that allows twirlers to turn in trophies won in advanced events for credit toward a savings bond. This is a very popular program with several hundred twirlers participating. However, it has recently been brought to our attention that some Beginner and Intermediate twirlers are not aware that they, too, can turn in trophies—and receive credit toward attending a TU twirling camp. Advanced twirlers may choose to take advantage of this option, also. The amount of credit for each placement is recorded and when a twirler registers for camp, that credit is deducted from her camp fee. These two programs allow Beginner and Intermediate twirlers to invest in their twirling future and Advanced twirlers to invest in their educational future.
PROMOTING MAJORETTES Our readers often have valuable tips on dealing with specific situations. We recently came across another such suggestion and are delighted to pass it along. A twirling teacher trying to promote the use of majorettes with several local High School bands has run into resistance from some of the band directors (sound familiar?). She recently discovered the TU Directory of College Twirling Positions. She purchased several copies of the Directory and then scheduled meetings with the band directors. In presenting the “positives” of having a majorette line, she gave each of them a copy of the directory and told them about the performing opportunities, as well as scholarship potential, for twirlers who go on to college. Obviously band directors are aware of musical opportunities in college, but (depending on their own background) they many not be familiar with the many twirling opportunities available—and the fact that twirling scholarships are available at many schools. It’s another approach to an age-old problem and we’re delighted to share her suggestion. Copies of the TU College Directory are $3 each (price includes shipping and handling) and can be ordered from TU headquarters at 700 Ghent Rd, Akron, OH 44333. |
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JUNE 2007 |
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YOU DON'T NEED A PASSPORT - YET If you are flying in to Canada, you have to have a passport now — but if you are driving, you don't need a passport until after Jan. 1, 2008. Our Regional Championships - June 30, in Niagara Falls, Ontario - are a delightful opportunity to take advantage of this delay. In addition, groups participating in the championships on June 30, will have an invitation to participate in the Independence Day Parade which is held July 1. Can you imagine anything more exciting than being in another country when they celebrate their independence? Fourth of July in the USA has so much meaning - and this is a chance to share in Canada’s celebration, as well as see the famed Niagara Falls. Please try to register early or at least let us know if you are interested in participating, as we have to turn in the information to the parade committee.
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MAY 2007 |
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WHY RESTRICTIONS? 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.
FROM THE PRESIDENT When so much is happening, sometimes we take it for granted that everyone knows everything. Our apologies, for there are many new twirlers joining us at every competition and camp. It was recently brought to our attention that there has not been much notification of one of the "perks" of TU. We have a Basic Twirl Solo on a video tape (we are in the process of updating it to DVD which should be ready shortly). This is taught as part of our teacher's course at TU camps. This routine was developed by a cadre of experienced teachers with much thought as to the construction and the choice of tricks. The "tricks" are basic...and they are taught with the connections that are so important. The instructional tape is designed for teachers and also shows how to build on this routine for a harder level. (It also contains the Basic X Strut with fundamental strut movements.) It has been our policy to have students who competed and won in the Basic Twirl Solo division (it is available at all our contests) participate in a twirl-off and the winner receive a camp scholarship. Because there are twirlers in different parts of the country learning this routine and because of the difficulty in getting them together, we altered this procedure two years ago and now award the camp scholarship on the basis of points earned for each win. (This also means that the twirler can continue to compete in this division until she reaches the level of a Beginner twirler - level 3). Each twirler should keep track of the competitions where he/she enters the Basic Twirl Solo event – and what place is received. The record should be sent to TU, 700 Ghent Rd, Akron, OH 44333 and should indicate the location of the contest and the placement. The records should be sent by May 1 of each year and reflect any competitions from May 1 of the previous year. The points are then totaled and the twirler winning the scholarship is notified by mid-May, so they can plan which camp they wish to attend. |