Question: TD #6 Hi, I am 12 and I am beginner baton twirler and I need a few tips on how to make a routine. I need the tips before 1wk. Thanks

Answer: A twirling routine consist of and opening section, finger section,roll section, flats, and ending.  The rest is up to your imagination. Good luck! TWIRL DOCTOR- Gino Cicerella

ANSWER:I would need to know how much you know first before I could begin to help you.  If you know 6-12 basics you can connect them. Sorry again I am late with the response. Let me know if I can help at another time .Good LuckTWIRL DOCTOR-KAREN

ANSWER:Hi - thanks for writing to Twirl Doctors!  You found the website and using it - good for you!!  Congratulations of starting to twirl - I hope you find many exciting years ahead! I think it is important, since that you said you were a beginner twirler, to find a coach in your area that can help you learn the correct techniques and basic twirls.  This is very important, rather than learning tips to put a routine together.  It is very difficult for a beginner twirler to understand how to construct a routine without understanding how to do all the basic twirls correctly. The best place to find a coach would be to look in the yellow pages under baton twirling or dance studios (sometimes they have baton programs).  You could also check your local recreation department and see if they offer baton twirling.  You can also use the twirlmania website to see if their any coaches or teams in your area. You may also want to go to your local library and check out any books on baton twirling.  I'd also suggest going to the USTA website  <http://www.us-twirlingassoc.org>  and ordering a compulsary video.  This will explain how to do basic twirls correctly in the compulsary format of USTA and the World Baton Federation. I hope this has helped. I wish you a lot of luck in your future twirling endeavors!  Let us know how you are doing!! TWIRL DOCTOR-Lee Callicutt

ANSWER:I don't think any of us have mastered the art of instruction by e-mail to give you a routine. I would suggest sticking to tricks that you know how to do well and are confident in.  I would suggest that you seek out the help of a baton instructor in your area.If you would like to tell the Twirl Doctor's what area you live in, we can give you the names and numbers of talented teachers that you may be able to work with.Good luck TWIRL DOCTOR-Patti Jankowski

ANSWER:Hi,As you put your routine together, remember to try to include tosses, finger twirls, flat twirls and some rolls.  If you can do leaps or kicks, cartwheels or walkovers these can be included too.  You might want to try your local library and see if they have any books on twirling, there are several out there.  There are some on amonzon.com, good luck! TWIRL DOCTOR-SHARON CAMPBELL

ANSWER:I would recommend seeking out a coach to help you. But in the meantime try some of the following tips: - Make sure the flow of tricks "feels" comfortable - Try "grouping" similar tricks...for example: put the rolls together, the horizontal tricks together, etc. This helps to form different "sections" in the routine- Use "CONNECTING" tricks so you are not just doing trick, trick, trick    Some examples of connections are: passes, taffy-pulls, flips, flashes with a pull-up, shoulder passes, etc.- Make sure you use proper "pattern changes" to connect all of the sections together. I also suggest having someone watch your finished routine (or even you watch it on videotape) to see if it looks pleasing to the eye. Many times it is easier to judge the finished product by watching it, not just doing it. Good luck! Sincerely, TWIRL DOCTOR-Kelli Russell  

Question: TD #7Hello, I just recently started twirling again, and I would like to know some pointers on Fugimis?  And also back of the neck spins. Thanks, Dave

Answer: TD #7 Break down the roll.Start with setting it on the right elbow and working on the dip motion to the back. Left foot forward, body square and don't grab the baton. Then work on the same rock motion on the left arm only.  This time start facing the back. I have my students do a basic 2 elbow catch left under arm turn to the back reverse two elbow catch under other arm. These are the parts of fugimis.  After these are mastered you can put the roll together with out cheats!!! TWIRL DOCTOR-Derek Brooks

ANSWER:Dear Dave, On Fugimis roll:   A.    Sguare body front and back. B.    Slight lunge forward on L foot-slight lunge in back on R foot. C. Think fishtail on the elbow when turning to the back.  Keeping the body in good posture really helps.  Another technique that I have used it to hold the baton in the left hand and roll on the right elbow as to practice the feeling from an easier entry of the baton.  Face the back and roll onto the L elbow to get that fishtail idea on the elbow. Back Necks,,,,Tic toc the baton from right groove of neck to left groove of neck to really get the basic feel.  Once you have gotten that idea try to incorporate one rev. on back of neck, building as you go.    Another way is to hold baton in right hand and roll onto the back of your neck, head down, (but not too much) spot baton on right shoulder as it rolls around and then turn L to catch blind in L hand and build from that. Hope I helped. TWIRL DOCTOR-Gino Cicerella

ANSWER:
Dear Dave,Here are some pointers: -You should have the following mastered: -Double elbow -Reverse double elbow -3 elbows turning in both directions - Remember Fujimis are really elbow roll cut-backs, think of this as  you are learning the roll - Keep the baton vertical during the roll - After the first double elbow, turn to the back while actually trying to "cut-back" the baton into the reverse double elbow to the back. - The baton rolls very high on the elbow, up near the shoulder - Let it ROLL ... you might make mistakes now, but don't be tempted to handle the roll (that is a hard habit to break!) Good luck and keep working at it! Concerning back neck rolls: - Your footwork is imperative ... keep it moving in chaine turns around a BIG circle - Keep the baton rolling as vertical as possible - Keep the center of the baton on the middle of the neck - Give the baton a little "platform" to roll on (so it doesn't roll down your back) - The baton speed should be somewhat fast (too slow and it will slide off) - Your head movements are looking towards the little "loops" that scoop over each shoulder - Remember, your continuous footwork is the KEY to making the rolls work!!!Be determined, rolls may seem frustrating at first, but very rewarding once you achieve them. Sincerely, TWIRL DOCTOR-Kelli Russell

ANSWER:
You are fairly close to me and I am excited to hear of another male twirler. Fujimi's (named after the wonderful twirler Cathy Fujimi) are a difficult roll to master correctly.  I typically start my students on one elbow at a time.  After all, the actual Fujimi is nothing more than a transfer of the baton between 2 elbows to the front and 2 elbows to the back.  Begin in the right hand to the front.  Do a retraction to the R elbow.  When the baton is resting on the elbow, rotate the upper body to the back while allowing the baton to rock and balance. Extend the right hand to let the baton roll out into the right hand, Repeat the same exercise in the left hand, beginning to the back and rotating to the front.  I encourage my students to keep it relatively flat and rotate front diagonal to back diagonal, rather than directly front to back.  This allows the twirler to establish control in a small area, before trying a perfectly vertical, front and back Fujimi.  This also eliminates the desire to "cheat", when the twirler can develop a feel for controlling the baton by manipulation of the forearm and bicep. The step after mastering the retraction/extension would be to start in a right fishtail, retract to Fujimi and extend to R fishtail.  Repeat from L fishtail.  Next, start with two elbows to the front and attempt R Fujimi to back, with extension to R hand.  Repeat by starting with 2 reverse elbows to back and Fujimi to front and extend to L hand. Gradually, you will be able to connect the two elbows front and two elbows back, with a non-cheated Fujimi.  Good luck, and be patient!! TWIRL DOCTOR-Kyle Keiser

ANSWER: Hi Dave, Glad to hear you are twirling again!  Wee, lets see if we can get you some pointers on fugimi's and back necks. Fugimi's - I find it best to try to master one elbow at a time.   Start with the right hand and do a hand elbow (retraction roll)roll and then move it to the back.  Keep your weight balanced over both feet and your feet should not be any wider than your shoulders.  Stay tight in the upper body and don't reach out over your feet with your upper body.  As the baton begins to raise up that is when you move to the back. Try to repeat the same thing on the left elbow.   I find that sometimes the left arm is easier. Back Necks - Try thinking of of your self standing in the middle of a Clock. 12 in front of your, 3 to your right, 6 behind you and 9 to the left. As you place the baton on the left side of the neck wait for it to drop in over the right shoulder and at that time step back to the 6 with you left foot. As the baton travels to the left shoulderstep on in the area of 7 and 8 with the right foot and then continue around the clock. Good luck and I hope these hints help you!! Twirl Doctor-SHARON CAMPBELL

Question: TD #8This is my daughters first year as a majorette in high school.  She is only 14 and having a bit of trouble fitting into the group.  This week its hair.  She has very long hair the other three have short to med hair, The other girls keep fussing—that their hair has to be the same all the time. Is there a rule about hair?   Last week I put her hair up in a bun with sequins and it was beautiful.  I  think they are just jealous.Please give me any advice that you can. Thank you,Belinda Rogers (very concerned mom)

Answer: #8There is no set rule regarding hair -- especially at the high school level! If the band director has a preference on how he would like to see their hair worn -- that is fine; however, he needs to work with the hair they have!  Good luck! TWIRL DOCTOR- BRIDGET DEMARY

ANSWER:
When judging a group I like all the members hair to be neat and in similar styles. Length does not matter but they all should have it the same way.  All girls with buns, french braids, pony tails etc...For performances I stress the same rule of thumb to my students. If you are twirling as a group look like a group. TWIRL DOCTOR- Derek Brooks 

ANSWER:Hi Belinda No their is not a set rule about hair, but from someone who has coached several high school majorette lines, I agree that all the girls hair should look a like, but to a certain extent. Just because everyone has short hair, that does not mean that your daughter must cut her hair short. You don't say how the other girls on the line wear their hair. So let's say that their hair is to short to put it up into a bun, then as for your daughter I agree that you did the right thing by putting her very long hair into a bun. If the others do not wear sequin in their hair then I would not put the sequin trim in your daughters hair.   In my opinion long hair should not be worn down when performing, not only will it look messy but it will get in the way of the twirler. If there is not an instructor for the majorette line and you can not resolve this with the other girls and/or their parents then I would talk with the Band Director. Good Luck!!!  TWIRL DOCTOR-Dori Robertson

ANSWER:Hair should be kept up away from the face to interfere with the eyesight, rolls around the neck, and just for a good clean professional look.  There is nothing wrong with long beautiful hair on a twirler, it just doesn't belong down when they twirl.  If she has it up when she is twirling and your getting comments when it comes down after she is done twirling,,,,they are jealeous.TWIRL DOCTOR- Gino Cicerella

ANSWER:There is absolutely no "rule" on hairstyles for twirlers or majorettes.  My preference is that a twirler look neat and professional.  For some girls, a shorter style is appropriate, but I personally like to see the hair secure out of the face.  I think the 'bun with sequins' is wonderful!!  It will allow everyone to see her smiling face!! TWIRL DOCTOR-Patti Jankowski 

ANSWER:Belinda,No there isn't a rule concerning hair but as an athlete your daughter should wear her hair in a bun.  I bet she did look beautiful with hers up and back. Neat and clean and no bangs is the typical here in NY. Like ballerinas, rhythmic gymnasts.  She should be ready for anything and with her hair back and out of the way she will be.  Don't be overly concerned. BUNS are politically correct in baton twirling LOL. Regards, TWIRL DOCTOR-KAREN

 ANSWER:
Dear Belinda: I understand your concern. There is no rule about hair, but there are generally regarded ways of wearing your hair when you twirl. For the same reason majorettes or twirlers in a group all wear the same costume, the hair should try to be styled the same, as well. This is to give off a professional impression. Looking alike in a group helps the twirlers appear more together, more in unison, more symmetrical, and more pleasing to the eye. Part of what makes a group so impressive is the difficulty of staying together and performing all moves in unison. That is the goal of a group, to perform as a cohesive unit and to not have any one person or one thing standing out from the rest. Usually wearing the hair in a secure bun is the style of choice for Twirlers. (Many times with sequins or scrunchies, etc.).  This is neat Looking and does not get in the twirler's way. Sometimes majorettes do Select different hairstyles. This is where it can be trouble, if everyone doesn't agree. Sometimes a lot of diplomacy must be used! Of course, I suggest trying to work with the other majorettes to come up with an agreeable hairstyle for all. Is there an advisor or head majorette? Would that person's decision be final? All of this is a good lesson in working with a group and getting along with others. That is one of the benefits of group twirling. I hope things work out and you and your daughter have many years of enjoyable twirling and twirling performances! Sincerely, TWIRL DOCTOR-Kelli Russell

ANSWER:
Dear Belinda, As part of a performing group, it is important that the girls have a "uniform look".  With today's hairstyles so varied, it may difficult to achieve sometimes, but having the same hair accessories, pulling it to the same direction, bangs or no bangs, up or down can be done easily for the entire group.  The difficulties you may be facing may lie in making your own daughter look special while the others are accustomed to matching.  As a colorguard director myself, I would highly frown upon a mother fixing her daughter's hair some special way with accessories that do not match the group.  Perhaps you can be helpful by providing accessories for all the girls or offering to help braid, do buns, or fix their hair in some way that would match.  Good luck and always look to what is best for the group and not just your daughter. TWIRL DOCTOR-Kyle Keiser

ANSWER: This is a tough one.  Having children in high school myself - I have been through similar incidents.  There is no rule about hairstyles in baton twirling. It is advisable that long hair be secured up on the head in order not to get in the way of twirling, and it also gives a neater appearance (much for the same reasons that dancers put their hair up).  It sounds like you did a great job trying to have your daughter "Look like the other girls".  Since she is a freshman - it is probably the older girls trying to "show who's boss" - if you understand what I'm saying.  It would be advisable to also go to the coach or sponsor of the twirlers and discuss your concerns as well.  Hopefully all of this will work out as the school year progresses.  I hope I've been helpful and good luck to you and your daughter.  Thanks for writing! TWIRL DOCTOR-LEE CALLICUT

ANSWER:Hi Belinda,First let me say that I'm excited that your daughter is twirling with her high school band.  Wearing hair alike is very important in high school twirling or for that matter any kind of group twirling.  As a group coach for over 40 years I have always had my teams wear their hair the same way. The ornamentation in the hair also needs to be the same.  In a teams situation the idea is to look as much alike a possible when performing. Everyone must be working on the same path for a group to succeed.  I have found over the years that hair in a bun or at least off the face (I call it half up and half down) is the best and cleanest look for twirlers. I hope this is helpful,Twirl Doctor-SHARON CAMPBELL 

Question: TD #11Hi Doctors!  My 11 year old daughter, Stephanie has learned a beginner USTA strut routine from another young lady (only 13) who competes at an advanced level.  Her regular coach is a brand new level I coach and is growing right along with us.  I am not a twirler, but have been a fan of both NBTA and USTA and winter color guard for over 25 years, so I am familiar with what I am looking at. Steph has been twirling for 7 years but is definitely still a beginner level.  She can do 2 turns and nice rolls.  Body and footwork still at work in progress.  LOL , what does a judge look for in a nice beginner strut routine beyond the obvious requirements listed in the USTA manuals.  Steph is always in step and has done nicely in NY last year winning 3 first place awards in Military strut.  Any tips you could provide would be fantastic.  Thanks!  Mary Ellen  :)

Answer: TD #11 Because I am a WTA teacher and judge I am not familiar with the requirements of USTA however, being able to march instep, keeping time with the music and great body work should be pretty standard with any judge and for any organization. When working on Fancy Strut with my students I always work with march music. The athlete needs to be able to understand the beat of the music. Body work is very important, combination of leaps, spins, toe points, correct foot positions, posture and the list goes on. With a beginner, great body lines is  more important then the difficulty of the baton. A coach can always go back and add more difficult baton work once the athlete becomes more comfortable with the body work. Presentation and "showing off" is also crucial to the strut. I always tell my students, over emphasize every movement.TWIRL DOCTOR-Dori Robertson

ANSWER:Dear Mary Ellen, You happen to be asking about one of my personal favorites.  I have always loved coaching strut and greatly enjoy building good beginner strutters with a solid foundation of beat, body and baton.  It sounds as if your daughter already has a clear understanding of "in-step". The next part of the process is often difficult for many coaches to effectively develop.  A good basic beginner strutter will have a somewhat "marchy" style.  Combine body and baton while starting to incorporate simple body moves such as arabesques, plies, piques and turns.  These must all be done hitting every beat and with use of the baton.  If these body moves are taught well and combined into the routine well, many of them will progress with her through the intermediate and advanced levels.  The most important factor, I feel, is to include transitions and blend the routine from move to move in a logical statement.  In other words, does one move fluidly lead to the other move? Your most useful guide is to make sure that a move completes and directly leads to the next body statement or twirl.  I value the use of texture and dimension.  Use highs and lows, flat and vertical, smooth and snappy, as well as expression of the upper body, head positions and variations of arms and legs.  At it's most simple level, baton and body moves will be more isolated.  As the athlete progresses, the strut will become a continuous blend of motion with baton, body and expression.  I hope that she aspires to be a beautiful strutter.  Training in ballet is most helpful.  I hope some of this information is helpful to her progress..........thanks,TWIRL DOCTOR-Kyle Keiser

ANSWER:Mary Ellen, Although I have seen a USTA strut on many occasions, I am not sure on the requirements to fulfill the routine. I can tell you; however, that regardless of organization, the girls should be executing complete, correct bodywork throughout the routine.  I would rather see a kick performed lower and correctly with proper turn-out, then performed over their head with incorrect leg and body lines.  The legs turned-out in lunges, leaps, and laybacks?  Are balance moves properly executed?  Posture?  Is the routine performed On toes where it should be? Good dance technique should carry over in to strut....and also into twirl! TWIRL DOCTOR-Patti Jankowski

ANSWER:Hi Mary Ellen, It sounds like your daughter has a great foundation!  USTA strut is a very demanding event.  Judges are looking for staying in step, using the baton and body in combination, great posture even with challenging material, floor coverage and great personality.   Good luck to your daughter, TWIRL DOCTOR-SHARON CAMPBELL

ANSWER:Hi,  some of the things a judge looks for in a beginner strut routine would be as follows: Routine construction Routine flow Use of both legs Unique body work Use of the baton with the body Routine consisting of moves the go both directions  hope this has helped.TWIRL DOCTOR -Gino Cicerella

ANSWER:Hi Mary Ellen, Thanks for writing!  It is always great to hear from parents of our athletes.  I am a USTA coach as well as a judge.  I really appreciate the fact that you want to know what we look for in a nice "beginner" routine. Too often, you see a beginner trying to do a routine that is really beyond their technique level - and therefore, can't do it well and get frustrated. Here is what I look for when I judge a beginner strut routine:As you know strut is comprised of three parts -         1.  Military - I am looking for the obvious - staying in step with the music.  I look for knees raised high, hips squared, toes pointed, a strong military beat, and sharp corners.  Posture is very important in executing military as well.  2. Presentation - 32 counts of material.  I am not looking fora solo here!  I am looking for A nice combination of tricks and body work that will tell me what is to come.  Nice leaps, illusions, high aerials are good in this section.  As always, key is the technical excellence of how well the material is performed is paramount in all aspects of judging.(Should be the coaches as well!).  3. Strut - Strut is the blending of baton and body work staying in step with the music.  It must consist of 120 counts of forward motion (remember forward means the direction the athlete is moving - meaning no back steps - but you can move side to side, diagonal etc.).  I look for baton and body work combined together.  There should be no stopping to twirl then move then stop, then twirl etc.  I like to see all modes of twirling in a strut - contact material, aerials, rolls, - vertical and horz pattern. Many times you see athletes just do vertical tricks in the right hand - variety is important right and left hand as well as horizontal pattern too! Basic ballet moves should be used - such as chasse, pique, arobesque, passe, tour jete, tombe, etc.  Again, I look for material that is appropriate for the level of the athlete.  Please no gymnastic tricks if the athlete is not properly trained!  Safety must be a main concern!  Another point, is varietyof material is important - meaning, if your child can do a 2 spin - show me once or twice that it can be accomplished - I don't need to see if 4 or 5 times (unless being tossed or caught in different ways).  The same is true 0for illusions, many times I think coaches over use it.  I would like to see 1 maybe 2 but no more - show me what else you can do.  Remember the routine must be in step at all times.  Some basic march steps(while moving and twirling)are acceptable in the beginner level.  also look for presentation skills - I would like to see an athlete who is enjoying themselves.  No forced or fake smiles - let me know you are having as much fun as I am watching you.  ( I think a smile from the judge is equally as important!)  certainly hope I have been helpful.  You stated you have the USTA description of strut, I hope I could offer you some additional insight.Please let us know how she progresses or if you have any more questions! TWIRL DOCTOR-Lee Callicut