Arlington Hts. twirler headed for world competition
In a few short weeks, Anna Scheldrup of Arlington Heights will begin her freshman year at Hersey High School. But it turns out she has an even bigger milestone looming: her berth at the Baton Twirling World Championships, in April.
Scheldrup is a member of the Razzle Dazzles, a competitive twirling team that trains in Zion. Just last month, the team advanced three of its squads to the national competition held at the University of Notre Dame.
The national competition in South Bend brings together the best baton twirlers, teams and corps for a series of national and international Open Championship contests. The five-day event is sanctioned by the National Baton Twirling Association, which mounts a world championship every three years.
At Notre Dame, America's Youth on Parade - considered to be the "world series of baton twirling" - draws more than 4,000 competitors from around the country, who compete in the university's Athletic and Convocation Center on campus.
Scheldrup competed in a number of events, but it was with the Razzle Dazzles Junior Parade Corps, she struck gold. The squad won its division and was the only Razzle Dazzles corps to advance to the world championships.
During the competition, Scheldrup and the Parade Corps performed a routine that you might see during a community parade, using taped music.
Scheldrup's start was typical of most beginners. She began in a pom-pom team, but she switched to baton twirling at the suggestion of one of her instructors, and she hasn't looked back.
"It's more of a challenge," Scheldrup told the Daily Herald a couple of years ago. "And I really like to dance, and baton has a lot of that."
In fact, she says she loves everything about it, especially the athleticism and choreography it takes to pull off routines. She began to take the sport more seriously when she competed with the Elgin-based Twirling Twisters, and during the last two years with the Razzle Dazzles, coached by Laura Spaeth.
Turns out she may have some performance opportunities at Hersey in years to come. The high school band has a featured twirler role in the 16-member color guard unit. Typically they showcase her during two home football games each fall, says Scott Casagrande, band director.
But for now, Scheldrup's attention is focused on the world competition next spring, being held in Ghent, Belgium, and hosted by the European contingent of NBTA. Her team is seeking donations and business sponsors to help pay for the European trip. Names of sponsors will be included on a banner and T-shirts being made for the trip. If interested, contact Susan Scheldrup, at (847) 398-5460.