INSIDE LOOP sat down with dance teacher/choreographer/baton coach extraordinaire Courtney Patterson White, a USTA Professional member from North Carolina. Here's what she had to say about dance, baton, and her vision for our sport for the future.
Inside Loop: Your background in the dance world has certainly been a benefit to your career as a choreographer. Can you give us a little information about your love for dance and baton began?
White: I grew up training in ballet, jazz, and tap. As a young twirler and dancer, I loved performing and creating. It wasn't until undergraduate and graduate school where I began to really study dance. I have a BA in Dance and Choreography and an MFA in Choreography. Higher education exposed me to a world of dance that was new, exciting, and challenging. Over the course of my studies, I've trained in many forms of modern and contemporary dance, West African styles, HipHop styles, Somatics and Improvisation. Beyond the physical practice of dance, I value the theoretical side of the field as well. Studying composition, dance history, pedagogy, and anatomy gives me a wide lens to view both baton and dance. It's these experiences and background that have shaped my appreciation of and for dance and therefore informed my choreographic voice.
My love for dance and baton has always been the catalyst for pursuing this career. I am now a full-time, tenured track professor at Meredith College in Raleigh, NC (the dream job). What I am most surprised and delighted by is how my understanding of dance continues to be influenced by the students I get to teach and the experiences I am afforded. It's a privilege to dance every day. One that I do not take for granted.
Inside Loop: If you could be USTA's “visionary,” what would you like to see our sport look like in the next five to 10 years?
White: When I think about the future of baton twirling, I think about its cultural relevance. I think about how our sport is perceived beyond the twirling community. I think about its appeal on a global stage. I envision a sport where athletes and coaches create meaningful and culturally conscious work. Where diversity is acknowledged and celebrated
I'm excited about the direction baton is taking with the creation of the International Baton Twirling Federation (IBTF). It's an honor to be included among so many people who are contributing to the advancement of the sport. I hope our sport can find common ground in its scoring systems and push for a more digital approach.
Inside Loop: What are three things the baton world probably doesn't know about you?
White:
- I love to work out. I attend OrangeTheroy workouts three to five times a week.
- I love wrapping presents. It's another creative outlet that brings me so much joy!
- I love paddleboarding and fishing. Summer is my favorite season.