USA BATON TWIRLING ALL STARS

On Thanksgiving Day 2008, a lifetime dream came true for me and the rest of the 150 members of the USA Baton Twirling All Stars.   Everyone who loves baton twirling, I am sure, felt pride and excitement as the group made its premier appearance as one of the outstanding performance groups in the 2008 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® in New York City. The group was under the direction of Karen Cammer and David Mindlin of the Baton Twirling Network, Inc.; Choreography by KeriAnn Lynch the former Orange Girl from Syracuse University and guided during the week by our own Tour Manager, Callene Derrick.  Everything from the application process through check out at the hotel when our trip was over was well coordinated and personalized.

This NYC tour was not going to be all hard work…….it was going to be an exquisite working vacation culminating with us being performers in the  largest live show on Broadway, in front of the legendary Macy's Herald Square.    Twirlers from across the United States and Canada had to apply for a spot on the line.  Hundreds of applications were received by the BTNI offices making the selection process one of much excitement and anticipation. 

Once an invitation was sent to an applicant, s/he had 14 days to RSVP or the next name on the list was contacted.   The first invitations went out in February of 2008 and continued being issued until all spots were filled by September 1^st.   The All Stars’ line was to be 150 strong representing the 150^th Anniversary of the very first Macy’s store opening.    

As we marched down the route in front of three million viewers lining the streets, as well as the millions of television viewers, we had been in NY together as a group for only four days prior to our appearance.  We were baton twirlers from many different areas and different twirling organizations.  Each of the members had received an instructional DVD and music CD for both the parade route routine and the Herald Square routine. 

Starting on our first day together, we began a rigorous practice schedule that would total approximately twenty six hours of hard work, dedication and fun!  This was necessary in order to be well prepared for our most important appearance prior to the parade kick off; that being our rehearsal with the NBC crew on Tuesday night in Herald Square.  Talk about feeling like stars!  Lights, cameras, action and plenty of celebrities were on hand that night.  American Idol, David Archuleta rehearsed just prior to us and we got to watch the whole thing!  It was a star filled night! 

Parade Day:  when we assembled on the steps of the Museum of Natural History for our place in the line of march, we were beautifully outfitted, in world class fashion.  We were so fortunate in that we were wearing visually dynamic velvet costumes that represented Macy’s colors (Red, White and Gold) and were made especially for us by the famous Art Stone Costumes in New York.   In our brilliant red velvet, you could see us coming from very far away.  Our classy professional quality costumes helped us draw the audience’s attention all along the parade route, well before we were upon them. 

When we weren’t in practice sessions we were experiencing NYC and the surrounding areas.  For the majority of the people on tour with our group, this was a first time experience in the Big Apple, New York City.  (416 people; between the USA Baton Twirling All Stars and their Family & Friends on our tour, attended our closing ceremonies and Thanksgiving Dinner) This was both an educational trip and thrill of a lifetime for all of us.  We went to Medieval Times for their show and dinner; The Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall starring, of course, the Rockettes; we each saw either Wicked or Grease depending on which ticket you got; ate at Ben’s Deli for a true NY deli experience and gave thanks together at the Palisadium in New Jersey during our closing ceremonies and Thanksgiving dinner. 

Most of us in baton twirling are also dancers, gymnasts, cheerleaders and athletes who cross train to be the best in this unusual and misunderstood activity: baton twirling.   The USA Baton Twirling All Stars are a collection of baton twirlers from across the USA as well as Canada.  Each of us has always dreamt of being a part of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® in New York City.   For so long, we have wondered when we, baton twirlers, would have the opportunity to show the world exactly what we are: performers, entertainers and well trained athletes.  We finally received our answer and were given the opportunity by the Macy’s organization and BTNI to march down Broadway with all the other types of activities that young people can be involved in.   

We are so grateful for the memorable experience of having marched in the parade, seeing NYC and forming friendships that we will all carry with us well into adulthood.  This was our premier appearance in the parade.  We hope to follow it up again in future years as well as in other special events around the world. 

For more information on the USA Baton Twirling All Stars and the Baton Twirling Network, Inc. please call Karen Cammer or David Mindlin at 516-616-3790 or 631-513-0039 or email BTNI@verizon.net or BTNI2@aol.com.  You can also visit our websites; www.batontwirlingnetwork.com or www.usabatontwirlingallstars.co