Baton Twirling, Etc.

How did you get started in baton twirling?
My sister Kathleen was in the San Gabriel Twirlers Baton Corp. I remember watching her twirl down the street in a local parade and  was amazed at her performing in front of the crowds of people. I knew that day that twirling was for me! First, I started out with parks and recreation classes through the city and then went on to be a member of the San Gabriel Twirlers Baton Corp directed by Esther Hensley. The Corp was a State, Regional, and National Champions for many years.  

What are some of your most memorable baton experiences?
I have many memorable baton experiences after directing the Spotlight Spinners Baton Team for twenty years.  The memory of winning National titles with my team is exciting but what really makes me reflect back is all the friendships that I have made and still am making through teaching. I traveled twirled with my team mates across Europe, Hawaii, and numerous A.Y.O.P. trips with my teammates. We built a close bond competing together and year’s later it still has not been broken. Now, we have many baby showers, weddings, retirement parties and other gatherings that keep us all close together. I hope twirlers who I have taught feel like they have done something very special when their baton career is over. I have been fortunate that a hand full of my twirler our now teaching baton and continuing the tradition of twirling.  

How did you get started in Solo Baton Twirling?
I went to a United Spirit Association Baton Camp in Santa Barbara and discovered that I wanted to really expand my baton twirling experience. I met a young man at the time named Donald Garcia who was a many time World N.B.T.A. Champion. He became my solo instructor who not only helped me to achieve many State, Regional, and National awards but most important  become one of my best friends. I went on to twirl at Long Beach State University and then with Donald’s guidance went on to twirl for the Los Angles Rams Professional football team for five years. I was on a team directed by Cindy Collins with members Kathy Kurtz (Yaffe), Dede Soto, Joyce Parr (Klucksdal) and Donald Garcia. I was honored to be on the team for five years with these National and World Champions. The bond we built twirling for the Rams still last today.

How you want to see Baton expand?
I love the sport of baton twirling. I have about seventy –five students that I currently teach in Newport Beach and Glendora, California.  My Baton Twirling Etc.company sponsors L.A. Clippers Pre-game Shows, Disneyland Baton Spectaculars, Las Vegas Tournament of Champions Competition in Nevada as well as other events each year. I am looking forward to expanding my business to help twirlers travel around the world performing. I have had feature twirlers at U.S.C., U.C.L.A., University of Arizonian, and other colleges. Baton is all about performing for a big audience and traveling around the county. I look forward to giving more twirlers the opportunity to learn the wonderful skill of baton and travel the world showing off their talent. Twirling for Travel coming soon!!       

Any Closing remarks – Friendship is the key to baton twirling. It is not the championships you win but the friendships that you make which will last a life time.

Thank you, Don Sartell for producing a magic wand that has brought me so much friendship through out the years. Baton twirling is my life and love!

Check out our EXTREM Baton Ends! They come in different colors and are twenty dollars a pair.