How to Twirl a Baton

among Vuitton twirling it is our purpose to present the basic essentials the true fundamentals that are actually necessary for the students beginner showing only what can be clearly understood by watching the pictures as they progress complicated routines and movements may be developed after the fundamental movements have been acquired and learned a personal teacher will help you greatly you may also be able to work out your own tricks and son the art of baton twirling is not a magic art it presents no mysteries to anyone with average athletic ability sincere desire to practice consistently and regularly when beating time hold the baton with a relaxed grip remembering that it must be kept high enough to be seen by all members of the band execute the salute by turning the wrist towards the body with the back of the hand resting against the chest and allow the baton to slide through the hand until it is finally grass just below the ball to execute the wrist twirl the baton is held in the hand loosely by the thumb and first finger the other three fingers are wrapped around the shaft and act as pushers the baton is held above the centre of balance towards the ball and about six inches from the body the arm is flexed at the elbow so as to offer ample space for the ball by rotating the wrist forward the baton will revolve in a complete circle the ball revolving inside of the arm and the shaft revolving outside of the arm by keeping the arm and wrist relaxed the baton will revolve in a smooth and continuous circle in demonstrating the figure eight grasps the baton in the right hand and with a sweeping motion swing it to the left side of the body at the same time turning the palm downward then upward again with the three fingers not grasping the baton pushing to give momentum as this movement is completed the baton swings back to the right side of the body when it returns to the original position repeat the same movements as before by continuing this motion with an equal swing on either side of the body the baton will appear to be making a figure eight pattern in front of you the two-hand twirl is the general foundation for the majority of all hand baton movement to start the spin hold the baton in the right hand ball to the right palm down slightly above waist level the left hand is held palm up and above the right hand start the baton revolving by turning the right wrist to the right and the baton will revolve one complete revolution before it is finally resting on the thumb above the baton must revolve one half a revolution in midair and it rolls off the thumb before the left hand grasps it with the ball to the left the left hand reaches in arm up and grasps the baton just as it completes the one half revolution in midair the ball is to the left as the catch is made to pass around the back the baton is first grasped in the left hand the ball is turned downward and the baton is passed behind the body into the right hand which grasps it in such a way that the thumbs touch the right palm is out and not in toward the body when caught in the right hand the shaft revolves upward with the ball going forward as the baton reaches the front of the body the ball revolves downward to give smoothness to the movement starts a cartwheel by holding the baton in the right hand and with a sweeping motion swing it into the position of the figure-eight on the left side of the body the left palm is up above the right hand as the baton revolves upward and the shaft finally revolves to the front resting on the thumb the left hand palm up and above reaches in and rest the baton so that the thumbs will intersect this maintains the same point of balance when grasped in the left hand the baton is swung to the right side of the body the same action is completed there remember this the right hand will be above the left this time try the forefinger twirl only after the movements are masters learn by moving the baton over one finger at a time we'll analyze the test for you by going slowly the baton is held waist high ball to the right between the first and second fingers of the right hand the thumb lies over the shaft and the other two fingers are bent back out of the way the palm is up fingers whirls represent the Venus of gracefulness in baton twirling to be considered an outstanding twirler you must master thoroughly the finger movement let's look closely again turning the baton one half of revolution brings it into position on top of the second finger another half revolution brings it on top of the third fingers the first and second fingers are bent back out of the way another half revolution places a baton on the little finger the other three fingers have moved out again and lie against the chair the palm is now turned down and the baton is slipped off the little finger make the twirl continuous by grasping the baton with the first finger each time it comes off the little finger the wrist action throw is started by passing the baton around the body the right hand uses the same motion as in a two hand spin with more of a swing in the arm movement and a quick snap of the wrist as the baton swings upwards the baton is swung almost shoulder high before it rolls over the thumb into the air with the shaft and leading the spin is so fast and you can see a definite hub in the circle which the baton is describing to catch the throw use the right hand so you lose no speed swinging into a different movement as the baton descends the right arm is almost head high hand outstretched palm and thumb to the front the catch is against the thumb and palm keep your eyes focused only on the hub of the revolving baton don't watch the end reach in and grasp the hub without hesitation when your hand closes over the shaft the baton is about at a waist high position and it swings immediately into a pass around back the most graceful movement to follow the cat once the rudiments have been mastered it is easy to assemble them into a routine the routine which you are now watching is composed of only the nine fundamental rudiments which are required for contest competition it is worked out by going directly from one rudiment to another with a smooth transition try naming the rudiments as they are executed as you become a more advanced student you will find that you can work out more complicated movements based on the fundamental rudiments which you know your instructor will help you by suggesting movement and showing you how to do them the advance routine which Roger Li is demonstrating is placed in this film to show you what may be attained with diligent practice and attention to correctness of detail