June 21, 2005 > Twirling their way to the championships

by Sean Wells

Baton Twirling is more than just a collection of parade and band related activities, it is also very much a competition sport similar to gymnastics and figure skating. It combines dance, gymnastics and baton twirling for judging individual and team performances for children ages 2 and up.

K&K Twirlers and the U.S.A. World Baton Team is a youth competitive and recreational baton twirling organization based in Fremont for over 25 years, fielding state, regional and national champions in individual and team events.

Our students have several reining individual and team national champions from the 2004 season. Twirlers and coaches are anticipating continued great results this July in Wichita, Kan. at the USTA (United States Twirling Association) National Baton Twirling Championships.

The USA World Team is a very special and talented team of male and female twirlers selected nationwide continues for another month after the U.S. Nationals into August for the World Championships (Worlds), where they will compete against the best baton twirlers from around the world. Last year, Worlds were held in Osaka Japan and this year they will be in Minnesota.

On June 22 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and June 23 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., the K&K Twirlers will have the unique opportunity to practice with members of the 2005 United States World Baton Team at Washington High School in preparation for the Western U.S. Regionals taking place at Cal State East Bay (formerly Cal State Hayward) on June 24 and 26.

Both this special practice and the Regional competition will offer residents of the Tri-City area a chance to view local and world-class baton twirlers in action.

For more information on classes, please call (510) 796-1116 or visit www.kandktwirl.com.

Western U.S. Regional Baton Championship
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, June 24, 25, 26
3:00 p.m. (Fri), 8:00 a.m. (Sat & Sun)
Cal State East Bay
25800 Carlos Bee Blvd., Hayward
(510) 796- 1116