How to Choreograph a Baton-Twirling Routine

Baton twirling, like dance and gymnastics, is part sport and part art. There are a number of standard body moves and baton-handling techniques, but the greatest joy for both participants and spectators is a creative, lively and unpredictable routine that exemplifies the best of both.

Things You'll Need

  • Batons
  • Uniform or costume
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Instructions

  1. Plan Your Routine

    • 1

      Choose a theme or style for your routine, depending on whether there will be one or a number of twirlers. You can choreograph your routine to incorporate drill team elements, dance steps or athletic moves.

    • 2

      Diagram your routine on paper or with the aid of a computer and graphics software.

    • 3

      Use time markers and step-by-step instructions to keep everything in sync and cue important moves and twirls to specific sections of the music when using musical accompaniment.

    Practice Your Routine

    • 4

      Ensure that you allow sufficient time before the performance date to practice your routine by yourself or with the group if the routine has multiple twirlers.

    • 5

      Practice the routine at different rates, from slow to even a little faster than its full speed.

    • 6

      Visualize the individual steps in conjunction with the accompanying music until the routine becomes one extended, fluid set of moves.

    Perform Your Routine

    • 7

      Remember that a choreographed twirling routine is both art and athletics, so keep your mind and body in sync. It may be a practiced and planned performance, but you must still bring a sense of newness and excitement to it, so loosen up and have fun.

    • 8

      Smile, laugh and make eye contact with the observers, as audience feedback is important in any creative performance sport.

    • 9

      Pay attention to any missteps or any flourishes or additional elements that you or another twirler brings to the planned routine. This is a creative activity and there are times when an unplanned move or spur of the moment idea can add real excitement and vitality to a twirling routine.