Did your child recently take a baton twirling class at their school and loved it? Below is some information about baton twirling and a list of local clubs.
Baton Twirling is a sport requiring grace, coordination, concentration and strength. It is for fun, fitness or relaxation. It allows for personal achievement in recreation or competition as an athlete, coach, judge or administrator. It includes individual, small and large group participation for competitions and performances. There are various levels of achievement that can be obtained, from beginner to elite.
Many of our athletes start baton twirling at a young age. They belong to clubs in their own communities and practice with their coaches for events throughout Alberta and Canada. Many of the young athletes grow up to be coaches and judges for the sport of baton twirling and encourage others to get involved.
Athletes train not only baton twirling, but dance and acrobatics as well to aide in their coordination, flexibility, body awareness, technique and strength. Many clubs offer baton, dance and acro classes in their programming.
Athlete Progression in Baton Twirling
Alberta Baton Twirling Association and its clubs follow the Canadian Baton Twirling Federation (CBTF) Long Term Athlete Development Program to ensure athletes are progressing at the correct level for their skill level and age.
RECREATIONAL PROGRAM
Athletes learn basic twirling and dance skills. Begin to learn the CBTF Skills Development Program ribbons and badges. Local performances and year end recital are a fun way for the beginner athlete to experience performing their skills in front of an audience.
PRE-COMPETITIVE PROGRAM
Athletes continue to work on their basic skill development and learn the standard CBTF Pre Competitive events. These events include: Basic March 1 & 2, Forward Motion 1 & 2, Medley 1 & 2, Solo Dance Twirl 1 & 2, Solo 1 & 2, 2-Baton 1 & 2. Pre Competitive team routines are also events that this level of athlete can learn. Videos of these events can be found on the CBTF Youtube Channel.
Athletes compete in various competitions throughout the year to earn their pre-competitive ribbons, as well as perform at local events and at the year end recital.
COMPETITIVE PROGRAM
Competitive athlete levels include beginner to elite (Level C, Level BN, Level BI, Level BA and Level A). Athletes learn routines choreographed by their coach that demonstrate their best skills and technique. The events that competitive athletes may compete in are: Solo, 2-Baton, 3-Baton, Medley, Solo Dance Twirl, Duet, Compulsories, Short Program, Freestyle, Pair and Team/Groups.
Athletes compete in events across the province from December until June. Some athletes will compete at the Canadian Championships in July and/or the World Championships/Nations Cup in August.
Find a club in your area
Many clubs offer a free ‘try baton’ class where children can come and try a class with a local club to see what baton twirling is all about. Please contact your local club to inquire.
Central Region – Calgary & Area
Airdrie Sky High Twirlers
Website: www.skyhightwirlers.com
Elite Airdrie Baton Club
Contact: s.mauro.yyc@gmail.com
New Heights Baton Club
Contact: newheightsbaton@gmail.com
Remix Baton Club (Langdon & Calgary)
Contact: www.remixbaton.com
Southside Baton Club
Contact: southside.baton@gmail.com
Stampede City Twirlers
Contact: Bonnie Brinker boncbrink@gmail.com
Twirl Fusion
Contact: twirlfusionbatonclub@gmail.com
Parkland Region – Red Deer & Area
Inspire Baton Club (Olds & Carstairs)
Contact: oldsinspirestudio@gmail.com
Northern Region – Edmonton & Area
Northern Lights Twirl Team (Spruce Grove, Edmonton, St. Albert)
Website: www.nltt.ca