Dandi Hicks Manuel's family has roots in baton twirling that are unparalleled. Inside Loop recently chatted with Manuel about her family and how twirling has impacted her life. Here's what she had to say:
Inside Loop: Dandi, your family is and has been deep in baton history and USTA. What do you see as the major differences between twirling in 2022 and in 1968, when you twirled as USTA's Primary National Solo Champion?
Manuel: As mentioned, my family has been involved in baton twirling for over 60 years. When my mother twirled in high school and later became an instructor in the 1950s, twirling had a military resemblance. High step marching with basic twirls accompanied with dead stick movements. The twirling was much like a drum major of a band, thus the name drum majorette. As twirling evolved and became more popular with the younger generation, more fluid movements were incorporated. A toss that was high in the air and caught with only a single kick or bow was an amazing highlight.
As with any sport, with competition there comes increased difficulty and the goal to achieve more than your competitor. In the 60s, we twirled as fast as possible. The emphasis was on spinning as many times as you could under a toss with a variety of catches. (My highest achieved - although not in competition - was nine spins!) A good lunge, pointed toes, a nicely placed freehand and a possible leap or jump were about the only demands for bodywork. In the late 60s to early 70s a single illusion entered strut routines. Thereafter, more and more gymnastics began to enter routines. The focus started to change to more body demand and less hard fast twirling. You rarely see anyone do more than five or six spins anymore as there are more options for aerials.
In 1980 and the beginning of World Championships, the implementation of compulsories with the structured focus on blending body and baton with clear clean movements changed the look of the twirler to what we have today. The beauty and artistry that has come from proper movement technique with a balance of ballet, gymnastics and flexibility along with the timing and placement of a baton is amazing. I truly believe this has brought baton twirling into a world of its own
Inside Loop: How do you keep young children interested in the sport, yet teach the discipline of practice?
Manuel: When I was a young competitor, I had a practice list. I knew that it was just like homework from school and it had to be done. It became part of my daily routine. I try to do the same with my students, however, self-discipline is not easy, nor is it often found among younger students. In class, I try to make it fun with various competitions. Sometimes we compete during class, such as who can catch the most thumb tosses in a minute, other times we try to better the number we last achieved individually. Setting a reward - whether it be individual or group - keeps the momentum and creates a desire to better themselves. I have used sticker charts and student of the month awards for those who have shown the most improvement or effort. I feel it is important and encourage my students to set personal goals and, once those are attained, set the next. Students love rewards and recognition, and it takes practice to get them.
Inside Loop:Tell us three things the baton world doesn't know about you.
Manuel: I have two children (one of whom twirled) and two grandchildren. I enjoy trail exploring in the Sierra Mountains either in my Jeep or on my ATV. I am an Ambassador for the Modesto Chamber of Commerce and was recently awarded the Ambassador of the Year award.