Baton (twirling)

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A typical baton used a drum major

A baton is a light metal rod that is used for keeping time, twirling, and juggling in marching band, cheerleading, and parade performances, usually by drum majors or majorettes (Drum majors typically use either the larger mace or the smaller military baton.)

Baton twirling is a sport of unknown origin. Many people say that the Dutch introduced baton twirling to America in 1681 when they landed in Pennsylvania, others say Major Millsap created baton twirling when he established Millsaps College in Mississippi after the Civil War.^{[citation needed]} The sport has expanded beyond parades and is now more comparable to rhythmic gymnastics (which includes manipulation of ribbons and light objects). In the USA, the top two twirling organizations are the United States Twirling Association and the National Baton Twirling Association Other organizations include Drum Majorettes of America, Twirling Unlimited, and World Twirling Association. The sport is popular in many countries including Japan, France, Italy and Canada. Many countries compete each year at the World Baton Twirling Championships.

Major twirling organizations include; NBTA (National Baton Twirling Association), USTA (United States Twirling Association), DMA (Drum Majorettes of America), WTA (World Twirling Association), and TU (Twirling Unlimited)

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