TYPE OF SOLO EVENTS

One-Baton Twirling - Solo is the mainstay of all baton twirling and provides a competitor with the opportunity to perform an innovative routine, which is adjudicated for its variety, difficulty, speed, control, smoothness, gracefulness, presentation, and showmanship. Two-Baton Twirling – A contestant performs with two batons. Both batons must be in action at all times, either in like patterns, alternating patterns, or in concert with each other. Three-Baton Twirling – A contestant uses three batons. Rhythmic Twirl – (previously known as Twirl Dance and Dance Twirl) Solo Rhythmic Twirl is a side branch of baton twirling in which twirlers coordinate their body movements to the music. Rhythmic Twirl is sometimes referred to as "interpretative twirling" and "synchronized twirling." Unlike general twirling, in which music is used for accompaniment, a performer may vary the speed of the baton to coordinate with the music. As in other branches of twirling, it’s the ability with a style and not only the style itself that counts. All styles of interpretation are acceptable – within the bounds of good taste. It's open to advanced solo twirlers only and they may only use one baton only (no props). Rhythmic Twirl is an optional event at state, regional and Class A open contests as the national contest will be open to all advanced solo twirlers. At nationals, individual age groups may be held, followed by a twirloff. SUPER X-Strut Super-X Pattern – Contestant shall perform individually within the prescribed floor pattern only once. Starting point shall be at upper corner of lane to judge’s left. Direction of pattern shall be diagonally toward opposite corner, turning right at edge of lane, then straight to opposite edge of lane, turning right and proceeding diagonally to opposite corner, then turning left to center point of lane, turning left and proceeding in straight line toward judge for remaining required steps. Finish shall be at any point within designated 30’ by 20’ lane. Section 5 shall not extend beyond borders set by Section 1. Oblique movements are not allowed in first four sections. Retracing is permitted. Basic Strut Portions – A minimum of four forward consecutive steps of basic strutting shall be executed during four different intervals of floor pattern: first section, second section, third section, and fifth (final) section. They shall be performed immediately after opening salute and on first steps forward on other specified sections. No penalty for exceeding required minimum four basic steps. Twirling not permitted during strutting routine. From first movement to ending salute, twirling is not permitted in a strutting routine. Rolls, fingerwork, and baton releases are not permitted. Loops and swings are allowed. Not more than two continuous revolutions from center of baton are allowed. Continuous revolutions limited to two at any one time. Baton must be a full-hand grip in one hand or another at all times during a strutting routine performance. Floor Contact – No part of body, other that feet, shall contact floor, intentionally or unintentionally. Out of Step – Contestant will receive a zero in timing when out of step one or more complete sections of floor pattern or out of step on all four required basics. In such case the penalties for out of step shall not count in tabulation of penalties. (Other captions should receive scores.) Contestant may not be disqualified. Feature moves when left foot does not hit the accented beat of music are not considered out of step. However, contestant must re-establish proper timing or an out-of-step penalty of .5 will be assessed per each violation. If contestant does not correct self within eight counts, an additional .5 penalty will be assessed; penalty not to exceed .5 per eight counts of out of step. Music – Contestants shall perform to standard march music provided by the contest director. Flag Twirling – A performer twirls and swings a baton shaft with a flag attached. One-baton score sheet is used, with logical interpretation. See score sheet. Duet and Trio - Two contestants performing at one time are called a duet. Three contestants performing at one time make a trio. Contestants are judged on their ability to perform simultaneously and in concert with one another while employing exchanges and combinations uniquely designed for duets and trios. Each contestant is evaluated on the use of one baton. No credit is given for two batons. Show Twirling – Show Twirling is interpretive, free-style twirling where contestants select own cassette music and use any combination of twirling instruments in order to display their total show performance. Props and twirling equipment are limited to that which can be hand carried in one trip by contestant only. Electrical props are not permitted. Hoop Twirling – Hoop twirling provides still another opportunity for contestants to expand their repertoire. Proficient Hoop Twirling requires excellent coordination and dexterity as the number of twirls that can be executed with a hoop is limited, due to the shape of the hoop. Imaginative, innovative, and exciting combinations are encouraged. Intentional hoop floor rolls, etc., do not count as drops. Basic and Military Strut – Basic and Military Strut implies straight marching in a square pattern with no footwork or legwork embellishment while carrying baton in either traditional or cradle position. In the case of military strut the traditional hi-low beat is required. Forward motion is mandatory. Consideration in judging will be appearance, posture, gracefulness, and timing. All styles shall receive equal consideration. Contestants will march in a follow-the-leader pattern or one-at-a-time according to judge’s instructions. Direction of square at discretion of judge. Contestants who stay in step will place above those with timing problems. Circle T Modeling – All modeling events will be performed in a Circle T pattern. Modeling performance begins directly in front of judge, turning either direction, left or right, at top of lane and then proceeding to chosen corner. Contestant executes a semi-circle (away from judge) to opposite corner. Contestant returns to center front of judge’s table and back to starting point. Timing and judging end at this point. If interview is included in performance, interview is not timed. Contestant will wait for judge’s signal to approach table for interview. Judge will score first four captions before interview begins. The element of the interview should encourage contestant to talk about herself; her hopes, dreams, goals, and opinions. It is not the style but the ability within the style that is judged. All modeling styles within the bounds of good taste will be given equal consideration. Leadership Contest – Drum majorettes/drum majors will compete in separate division / field generals compete together. Girls and boys compete together. See score sheet for grading information. NATIONAL COLLEGIATE TWIRLING CHAMPIONSHIPS - See the rules for more information concerning special contests at AYOP for collegiate twirlers.