Batons glisten under the stadium lights, catching every flicker as they spin through the air. The crowd’s murmur quiets as the MN Mustang Twirlers take their positions, their shimmering costumes sparkling as the spotlight illuminates their faces. For many in the stands, the performance these four girls are about to give will be their first glimpse into the mesmerizing world of baton twirling.
These girls are part of the MN Mustang Twirlers, a baton-twirling team led by coach Jamie Baustert. Their tight-knit relationships with each other have made the activity more enjoyable as a whole. Sophomore Mia Stapp strongly resonates with this as well.
“Our team culture is super positive [and] everyone brings something new to the team. Everyone has a say in what we do; we all communicate well about performances and what we want to do in routines. We all worked super hard to get to where we are now, so everyone really loves and respects each other,” Stapp said.
They aren’t just teammates; they’ve been dancing and twirling together for years at the same studio, building bonds that go beyond the field. Sophomore Cloe Dalton, who has been twirling since childhood also relates with this.
“There are three sophomores in the group: me [Dalton], Mia Stapp, and Claire Savage. We have all been twirling at Sue’s Stepperettes at some point in our journey,” Dalton said.
This talented group of four also exhibits their commitment to this activity, by attending practices typically twice a week. Freshman Elizabeth Fox enjoys practicing with her fellow team members.
Their commitment to the sport is evident, with practices how often they practice. Fox finds these sessions essential not only for skills but also for bonding with her teammates
Aside from the commitment this activity has to offer, each of the girls has their backstory on how they got into this activity in the first place.
“What personally got me into baton was my next-door neighbor, Marissa. I remember being 5 years old and watching her practice twirling outside. I knew from that moment that’s what I wanted to do [and] I was so happy watching her. I thought it was the coolest thing ever. Ever since then I’ve continued twirling and have continued to love it,” Stapp said.
Dalton’s involvement in baton twirling was quite different from the others.
“When I was 4 and doing gymnastics, my mom saw a flier for an open house at Sue’s Stepperettes. We attended and the environment was very welcoming, so we tried a class and the rest is history. Claire and I were fortunate enough to attend a Nationals Competition at the University of Notre Dame, which was amazing and very memorable,” Dalton said.
This talented group of four performs at many events, from school pep rallies to national competitions. They bring their talent-packed routines to the Stepperettes Annual High School Showcase, Millard North Dance Team annual showcase, Millard Days parade, football games, and some basketball games.
“You’ll find us performing pre-game at the home varsity football games and during halftime. My overall experience in these performances is positive and fun. Our student section is encouraging and energizes us,” Dalton said.
Their passion spans beyond playing games and practice. The group of four wants to get others more involved in this sport too.
“This sport takes a lot of hard work and dedication so if you want to learn more about yourself and your strengths this would be great for you,” Stapp said.
With their commitment and camaraderie, the MN Mustang Twirlers continue to make strides, bringing their sport into the spotlight. As their skills and confidence grow, so does their potential to inspire others. The future looks bright for these four girls, whose passion for twirling extends far beyond the field.