The 2010 NBTA Baton Twirling Nationals are being held this week. This prestigious national championship competition is held each summer during the busy contest season. It is an exciting, much anticipated event held on the campus of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana. This “Super Bowl of Twirling Contests” is hosted by AYOP (America’s Youth on Parade).

NBTA AYOP Baton Twirling National Championship

Many different competitive events are happening all week. Nationals conclude on Friday evening with the AYOP Big Show. Thanks to quick communications facilitated by the internet, we are starting to hear of the finalists who have qualified to compete for the Grand National titles. Finalists in the senior division are Rosie Bird, Karrissa Wimberley, Danielle Cobb, Merribeth Cox, Olivia Lynch, and Danielle Vanscoyk. Finalists in the junior division are Brittany Frankel, Jordan Foster, Ansley Cartee, Susie Smithmeyer, Brittany McArthur, and Tasha Taylor. We are delighted to learn that Fantasia, a baton twirling team from Riverside, California whose members include Matt Freeman and Rebecca Lantz, have qualified for the finals.

Good luck to all of the competitors this week! We wish for you your very best performances. We look forward to all of the final results.