“A just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again”
- Proverbs 24:16

Struttin’ Show-off Policies

1. Gum, candy, food, and drinks are NOT allowed in any of the facilities used for baton classes.
2. Students must be attired appropriately to participate during baton classes.  Tank tops, t-shirts, athletic shorts, or pants that allow for movement are considered suitable clothing.  Tennis shoes, cougars, or jazz shoes are acceptable footwear.  Hair should be pulled back away from the face.  NOTE:  Shorts worn to class must have at least a 2” inseam
3. No visible body piercings, except for earrings, are allowed during baton classes or any event associated with Struttin’ Show-offs. 
4. Parents and siblings are not allowed inside the gym during baton classes.  There will be Parent Observation Days throughout the school year for family members to view their child’s class.  If it is necessary to speak to an instructor, please wait until class is dismissed.
5. Monthly class fees are due at the beginning of each month and considered “late” after the 15th.  An additional fee of $10.00 is due with every late monthly payment.  If no payment is received by the 20th, the student will not be allowed to participate until the balance is paid.
6. All payments must be made by check, cash, or money orders.
7. Struttin’ Show-offs reserves the right to refuse services on any ground the instructors consider as valid.

Descriptions of Group Class Levels

Baton I:  All new students ages 5-7 are placed in this class.  Essential fundamental elements used in every level of baton twirling, such as basic dance steps and twirls, are taught that are later incorporated in dance twirl and marching routines.  These routines are choreographed to music, so students are also tutored in learning how to locate and count the beats of music.

Baton II:  New students ages 8-10, along with those who have general knowledge of basic dance and twirls, are placed in this level.  Students will be able to accurately execute all fundamental dance steps and one-baton twirls before finishing these classes.  One-baton tricks, dance twirl and marching routines are more difficult than those taught in Level I.

Baton III:  This is an intermediate-level class for those students who are able to perform all fundamental elements taught in Levels I and II with precision.  The basic two-baton elements are taught in this class, in addition to more difficult one-baton tricks, dance, and body movements.  Students will learn two routines, the first using one-baton only and the second incorporating two-batons.  NOTE:  Students placed in Level III are determined not by age, but by skill-level.

Baton IV:  This is an advanced-level class that includes learning two routines that incorporates one and two batons, for those who have conquered all twirling material taught thus far.  Students are instructed in advanced-level body movements, across-the-floor movements, material used for strut, three/four-baton tricks, and rolls.

Descriptions of Additional Areas of Instruction

Competition Teams:  Students may become members of competition teams only if selected and invited by the instructors. Those who accept will be expected to perform on a higher level and also be required to put in longer rehearsal hours during the week.  The teams will perform at the twirling contests chosen by the instructors.  Members and parents will be made aware of their specific dates and times as soon as the instructors receive the contest information.  Contests are always held on Saturdays.  Attendance is mandatory at these contests.

Individual Competition:  Any student may choose to participate in solo competition and must be aware that individual success is dependent on that student’s dedication, determination, and self-discipline.  There are various events a student can choose to enter, which include: One, Two, or Three Baton Solo, Fancy X-Strut, Military and Basic Marching, Modeling, and Show Twirl.  Soloists are placed into appropriate divisions based on their age and the number of 1st place wins in the particular event entered.  Individuals begin at the Novice level and progress through the Beginner and Intermediate levels until reaching the Advanced level.  A certain number of 1st place wins are required before moving to the various levels.  Competitions are available at the local, state, regional, national, and international levels. 

“Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm”
- Emerson