World Baton Twirling Day

To raise awareness for and draw attention to the artistic sport of baton twirling, World Baton Twirling Day is here! 

History of World Baton Twirling Day

The background of the World Baton Twirling Championships can be traced back to 1980 when the inaugural event was held in Seattle, Washington. This was just three years after the official organization, the World Baton Twirling Federation (WBTF), was founded to encourage, develop and bring standardization to the sport of baton twirling.

In recent years, the WBTF combined with the World Federation of National Baton Twirling Associations (WFNBTA) to create the International Baton Twirling Federation (IBTF), which has hopes to standardize this sport even more so that it might eventually be on a path toward the Olympics.

World Baton Twirling Day is one of the efforts of these organizations to shine a light on the unique opportunities of this creative and artistic sport that combines grace and beauty with athletic strength, flexibility and acrobatics. So grab a baton and get to twirling because it’s time for World Baton Twirling Day!

How to Celebrate World Baton Twirling Day

Consider some of these fun and interesting activities to get started with participating in World Baton Twirling Day:

Twirl a Baton

Whether picking it up after it was stored in the closet for a while or learning a new routine for the team you’re on, World Baton Twirling Day is a great time to give it a twirl! With the spring weather in full swing, it should be a great time to get outside but, if not, head over to a gymnasium and start twisting and throwing a baton up into the air. It’s a great form of exercise and loads of fun too!

Learn the World Baton Twirling Day Routine

Each year in celebration of this important event, the International Baton Twirling Federation offers an official routine that the public can access online through YouTube. It’s a great way for individuals to connect with the larger community of baton twirlers throughout the globe, bringing together people who have the same heart and passion. 

In addition to watching the video of the routine, the IBTF also offers the opportunity to join in with a free clinic online for those who are interested in learning it from professionals! Check out the IBTF social media accounts to learn more.

Watch a Movie About Baton Twirling

Get into the groove of World Baton Twirling Day by joining in on the fun of a movie about the topic that was made in 1981. Starring Lisa Welchel, of 1980s The Facts of Life fame, and Erin Moran, who played the feisty little sister, Joanie, on Happy Days from 1974-1984, this movie It was a made-for-TV movie at the time, so getting hold of a copy might be a challenge worth pursuing in celebration of baton twirling. At the very least, an online search will offer some fun clips from the movie to watch in honor of the day!