If the phrase “It's in our blood” ever applied to a twirling family, USTA Professional member Audrey Moore's family surely would be a prime example of that. Inside Loop sat down with Moore to ask her about her generational baton family. Here's what she had to say.
Inside Loop: Tell us about your twirling experience.
Moore: I started twirling in a recreational group at 13. We moved from Cleveland to the small suburb of Wickliffe and the Wickliffe Silver Streaks were looking for new members. I joined and that started my love for baton twirling. I marched in a few parades and knew that I wanted to learn more, so I started taking private lessons and competing. My teacher was involved in the World Twirling Association (WTA) so that is where I competed. At 15 I moved into the Senior age division and at 18, I aged out. Still searching for more, I went on trips with the Twirling Teachers Institute traveling to the Bahamas, Spain, Rome and even a on a cruise. I learned so much on these trips and met so many wonderful instructors. I knew that I wanted to stay involved with twirling and pass on my love for this sport. I took over the Wickliffe group and then after a year started a new group called the Willowick Stars and Stripes. I got married and moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee with my husband Tim. I taught a few students in Chattanooga, but it wasn't the same. After a few years I was able to rent some spaces and started the Showstoppers. We got stronger and bigger every year and my love grew even stronger for this wonderful sport. I met Cheryl Wimberley at a competition and asked her to come in to do some lessons at my studio. We have had a great and bonding friendship ever since. I became a mom in 1980 with a beautiful baby girl and of course she started twirling at a young age because I took her with me to the studio every day. I learned early on that moms and daughters do not work well together and turned Leigh-ann over to Cheryl. I had my second amazing daughter in 1982 who was very active and loved tumbling. Melissa started with Cheryl at age three. Both of my daughters competed in WTA, DMA, TU, AAU and NBTA. We loved traveling together and meeting new people. Both girls were very successful in DMA and WTA winning their top awards. Leigh-ann loved her multi baton work and Melissa loved all the gymnastic moves. In 2004 another beautiful baby girl arrived. Erienne was born into baton loving every minute. Leigh-ann knew that she would be taking lessons with Cheryl and started to twirl in NBTA. Erienne has been a joy to travel with and watch grow into a talented and amazing twirler. Several times I have thought about retiring but then new little girls join the studio and I fall in love again.
Inside Loop: You seem to have a great history with the team discipline. What is the importance of team and group twirling within your studio?
Moore: We have always offered teams at the Showstoppers as working with other twirlers and pushing them to stay up with each other is a great motivation. We allow any twirler who has graduated through our Learn to Twirl Classes to join a team. They become beginner team members first and then have the opportunity to get better and move into the higher-level teams. We do require that all team members take a weekly private lesson to build their individual skills. Teams give the opportunity to each member to become friends and bond together. I like to take my members to events outside of the twirling world. This allows the public to see just what twirling is about. One of my best memories is being chosen to have three of my girls twirl in the opening ceremonies of the Junior Olympics, when baton twirling was invited into the games for the first time. I am now teaching children of moms who were Showstoppers. I love watching each twirler grow as they move through high school and into college. They become successful in their fields and become great moms. I am so proud of all the twirlers who move through the Showstoppers and I love it when they come back to visit. The best compliment is when you hear from one of your former twirlers that it is because of the Showstoppers and me that they have such confidence in themselves and know how to juggle their busy lives.
Inside Loop: Tell us three things the twirling world probably doesn't know about you.
Moore: Well, first I have had 13 surgeries and Erienne keeps score. Second, I hate Ferris Wheels which Cheryl Wimberley can attest to. Third, I would still be playing softball if my body would let me. Baseball/softball is my second favorite sport.