Twirlers joined together in a fun weekend of competition and learning at the Mid-America Celebration of Twirling contest and twirling clinic held in Omaha, Nebraska, November 6th and 7th. Sue Foehlinger, director of SueΓÇÖs Stepper-ettes Baton, Pom and Tumbling Studio, has hosted the Mid-America contest and clinic for 13 years.
First and second place winners in the advanced solo division twirled-off for the Grand Champion Title. Brooke Walter was named the Advanced Solo Mid-America Grand Champion and performed at SundayΓÇÖs clinic.
Foehlinger begins preparing for this event four months in advanced; booking the gym, lining up judges and planning the entry. The last three weeks before the event are very hectic. Every spare minute is dedicated to making sure all contest items are in line. Foehlinger relies on team members and their parents to get involved on the day of the event and the weeks leading up to the event to make it a successful contest and clinic.
Three years ago, Foehlinger introduced a trick demonstration event for class students new to twirling competitions. Every year, this event becomes more popular. Twirlers participating in the trick demonstration event perform basic twirls and tricks in front of a judge for a rating. This is a first step to a solo routine for many twirlers, allowing them to gain confidence and decide if they want to pursue open competition.
On Sunday, more than half of the judging staff changed into comfortable twirling attire to teach at a full day clinic providing new routine material for twirlers. This years teaching staff included, Lindsey Colen from Maryland, Kim Evans from Iowa, Dawn Halverfield from Wisconsin, Tim King from Arizona, Melissa Lankston from Iowa, Diana McClain from Kansas, Shannon Meis from Kansas, Mike Makauchi from California, Shelia Payne from Texas, Joanne Schlueter from South Dakota, Kandee Sell from Kansas and Brooke Walter from California.
TwirlZone would like to congratulate all of the Mid-America winners and participants for a great start to the twirling year. To share your experience or pictures from the Mid-America event or other twirling events please write to:
