Melanie Falcon, a USTA Professional member from Kansas, is a former twirler who launched her own twirling organization, Melanie's Magic, more than 20 years ago. In addition to being a coach, Falcon is also a Level III Judge, president of the Kansas Twirling Council, a contest director, and the mother of a competitive twirler. Inside Loop recently talked with her about the challenges and rewards of her many roles in twirling. Here's what she had to say.
Inside Loop: What did you gain from being a baton twirler, and what do you hope your students and your daughter gain from twirling?
Falcon: Growing up in baton twirling allowed me to gain a variety of life lessons and skills. I hope to pass those same lessons down to my daughter and my students. First, is teamwork. In group performances or competitions, baton twirling often fosters teamwork and camaraderie, helping people develop collaborative skills and make lasting friendships. I love seeing my girls bond and make friends with other twirlers across the United States. Second, is confidence. Mastering complex tricks and performing in front of others can boost self-esteem and confidence. The feeling of accomplishment after a successful routine is often extremely rewarding. Next, is performance skills. Baton twirling involves public performances, therefore athletes develop presentation skills, including poise, stage presence, and the ability to connect with and entertain an audience. Lastly, which is often the most difficult, time management. Balancing practice with other responsibilities can help improve time management skills, especially when juggling school, work, or other activities. I credit much of my adult success to the skills I learned as a baton twirler.
Inside Loop: How do you manage the demands of your various twirling roles, and what are the challenges and rewards of each of them?
Falcon: Managing my twirling roles hasn't always been easy. Over the last 20+ years, I have had to modify the amount of time I am able to dedicate to it. Before I had my own children, I was able to spend several days a week teaching, but over time, I had to balance the amount of time coaching with spending time with my family attending their activities. Having a daughter who is a competitive twirler has definitely been both rewarding and challenging. I love watching Jaycie grow and develop as a twirler. From her days of refusing to go out on the competition floor at nationals to standing proud on the podium at nationals, sharing a passion for baton twirling with her has been amazing. And anyone who has ever coached their own child knows what I am talking about. Competition days have been the most difficult. Being a contest director, judge, coach, and mom all at the same time isn't easy but having support from my twirling parents helps tremendously.
Inside Loop: Finally, tell us three things the twirling world might not know about you.
Falcon:
- I started my twirling organization, Melanie's Magic, when I was only 16 years old, and it is still going strong.
- I was a middle and high school science teacher for 17 years and was nominated as the Kansas Teacher of the Year.
- I love animals, especially reptiles. I have a pet snake, a bearded dragon, a leopard gecko, and a crested gecko.