Question: #52 I have a very weird question actually, what is your favorite trick and maybe a brief explanation of how to do it? I am trying out for head majorette and I am running out tricks, they all just seem boring and old to me. Could you please help me?

 Answer: #52My favorite trick is a blind catch performed with a stretched, complete, long layback.  Try a high throw and give the audience a big surprise by catching a blind in a great body position.  You can perform multiple spins if you like, or just stretch up on toes.   A blind catch is my favorite reception - so I also like blinds caught in deep lunges or in a leap.   Twirl Doctor-Patti Jankowski 

Answer:Well - actually my favorite trick isn't terribly hard - it's called a split leap pull out.  It's actually an older type trick - but still my favorite!   You begin with a pull up (flourish whip)  - toss the baton in the air - spin as many times as you can and catch the baton in a leap!  You don't have to do it with a spin if you can't.  The object is to ensure that both the front and back leg of the leap is straight and high enough to get the baton out before you land!   Twirl Doctor- Lee Callicut

 Answer:Every trick that you have worked on has many different variations.  The way you catch the trick can be changed, the way you enter the trick can also make a difference too.  I can not give you a favorite trick because I love all of them. You can always work on increasing your spins and this can be very challenging.  However, as far as majorette work is concerned, have you tried some two baton?  When I get tired of doing tricks I have always turned to two baton.  Some basic juggles with spins between, or high tosses with elbow rolls, or wraps.  Twirl Doctor-Gino Cicerella 

Question #53 I'm 16 and live in Texas. My mom was feature twirler in her High School and has taught me everything she knows. However, around here there are no instructors. I have been dancing for years and I know I have a natural talent for baton, but I need to know more tricks! Are there any books, web sites or tips you can send me? I pick up things very easily but I do not know how to choreograph anything more than the basics.                                                                                                         

 Answer: #53If you let me know what big town you live near in Texas, there may be someone near by who can help you.   There are a few books in the library but most of them deal with the basics.  The United States Twirling Association has a web site www.us-twirlingassoc.org also the USA National Championships will be held in Fort Worth, Texas this year, July 11-17th.  Solo events run 11-15^th and teams are 16th -17th. There are some video's available on the USTA web site that might also help you!!!Twirl Doctor-Sharon Campbell

 Answer:There are many good suggestions throughout the Twirl Mania web-site.  Perhaps you may consider working with a teacher in the area to help with learning more material?  If you would like for the Twirl Doctors to help you find a teacher in your area, then write back to us and let us know what part of Texas you reside in. Twirl Doctor-Patti Jankowski

 Answer: I would strongly suggest checking everywhere to try to locate a coach - they would be so helpful to you.  You could check the yellow pages under baton or dance studios.  Another place to check, is your local Recreation Dept. If you have a college or university near you - youcould see if they have twirlers.  I would recommend you checking the USTA web-site (linked from the Twirl Mania site) - they do have videos available. Learning to design a routine can be challenging - it would be very helpful if you had someone in your area to help you!  Twirl Doctor-Lee A. Callicut

 Answer: Some times just adding on to what you have is the best bet.  Challenge yourself.  If you can do fishtails, carry around once, or twice.  Work on reversing the fishtails.  Try doing reverse rolls, reverse spins.  Get to a couple of clinics.  Find our if there are any NBTA clinics or seminars.  You can always get tricks and combinations from a good NBTA clinic.  Twirl Doctor-Gino Cicerella 

Question: #53b I plan on trying out for the position of a feature twirler at a large university.  I have to perform a strut routine, a twirling routine (one baton) of length 90-120 seconds, and a dance/twirling routine (may be multiple batons) of length 90-120 seconds.  There is 10 seconds between each routine.  What music do you suggest I use?  I prefer classical or band music.  

 Answer: I would suggest something "flashy".  Some good choices would be broadway overtures ( I personally love the soundtrack to Gypsy - as it contains various tempos).  Big Band type music is also great (Sing, Sing, Sing or In The Mood, are also my favorites).  I would stay away from popular music that is played on the radio. If this is a freestyle type of routine -I'd suggest a Broadway song - Overtures work best, as they mix tempos - and you would be able to incorporate faster material - dance steps and slower - full movement moves as well.  Big Band type music also is a good choice.  As you said, I'd stay away from current "popular" music.  As you develop your routine - remember it should be "showy" and really play to the audience! Twirl Doctor-Lee Callicut

 Answer: I'd try "Bugler's Holiday" it is great band music and is fast and peppy. Maybe some big band music would work, like "Sing Sing Sing"   This is a long piece and may work for everything.

You may want to look at some show or movie music. Barry Manilow's Copacabana is a great piece. There is a trumpet piece called Bugler's Holiday that is fast and peppy, it's great. Try some of the swing music like "Sing Sing Sing." Good luck at your try-out! Twirl Doctor-Sharon Campbell

 Answer: Always try to find music that fits your style of twirling.  I was at a contest over the weekend and a teacher had 8 students performing freestyle routines.  She did a fantastic job of making each student stand out with their own unique theme and song.  I always try to find something that hasn't been done a million times before.  Twirl Doctor-Derek Brooks

 Answer: Step back into time.  Get something that everyone knows from a few years ago.  Finding something that you have not heard in a long time but everyone knows sometimes is good.  Maybe some top 10 college bands will give you some ideas. Twirl Doctor-Gino Cicerella