By Katrina Jansen-Buciuni, Photo Editor
“Twirling makes me feel beautiful.”
— Meagan Ginnaty-Moore, Indian Trail Majorettes captain.
Baton twirling was first introduced to the student body of Indian Trail 2015-16 school year. Since then, baton twirlers Meagan and Emily have impacted our school spirit in a way no other team has done before.
“I feel as if they are one of the most valued performances at the pep assemblies. They tend to get a very loud cheer and I can always hear those students making oohs and ahhs when really cool tricks happen,” said Coach Heather Belke, who is also an IT business instructor.
When watching baton twirling, the thought of it being easy may cross the mind. But think again, it’s very difficult. Twirling is a form of art that combines dance, agility, coordination, flexibility and gymnastics while maintaining a baton or even multiple ones.
“If I could describe baton twirling in three words they’d be courage, passion and dedication,” said Emily Palmer, IT junior majorette
Palmer has been twirling since the age of 6 and says it’s her passion because she gets to twirl with her baton family.
Meagan Ginnaty-Moore, a Communications Academy senior at IT, has also been twirling for 13 years and first started it because her older sister had twirled.
The organization for the majorettes is called NBTA (National Baton Twirling Association) The majorettes are looking to expand their team but certain requirements must be met.
“I wish I had more majorettes because it makes the routines more fun, but since it’s such a unique sport we don’t really have a lot of people to pick from. It also takes a lot of experience, meaning multiple years. You also have to be able to do the basic tricks because I’m not there to teach — more to supervise and create routines,” said Belke.
Being a majorette is more than just twirling a baton, it’s an experience. An experience that’s unforgettable because it’s something so unique, Ginnaty-Moore said.