Steffany is one of the greatest twirlers of all time. She currently is the Louisville Feature Twirler. She is a 6x World Champion and has won Miss Majorette of America multiple times. She is also the Miss Nebraska Collegiate where she placed first runner up at Miss America Collegiate. We asked her the questions you want answered.
Here are your questions:
1) What is your favorite part about twirling?
2) If you could change one thing about the sport where would it be?
3) What has been your favorite twirling memory?
4) Can you give your favorite/best tip to success?
5) If you could say anything to your younger self what would it be?
6) What/who is your biggest motivation?
7) What is your favorite event or trick?
Here are her answers:
1) I’ve had unique opportunities through my involvement in twirling, and many of them have allowed me to travel extensively. My favorites include competing at 4 World Championships, serving as an ambassador to Peru, and performing annually at the Kentucky Derby. These are just a few of the life-changing experiences baton twirling has given me. I am also fortunate for the many friends I’ve made along the way.... both across the U.S. and around the world. I truly can’t imagine my life without the people and opportunities I’ve encountered through twirling.
2) If I could change one aspect of our sport, I would like to have one main twirling organization, as opposed to several. Once we do this, I believe baton twirling will finally be included in the Olympics!
3) My freshman year of college, I traveled to Florida for the Citrus Bowl. In addition to performing at the game, I twirled in the Citrus Bowl parade and the most exhilarating pep rally. It was amazing to interact with the Louisville fans that traveled so far to cheer on their favorite team. During this trip, I also lead a parade in Disney World! It was an experience I’ll never forget.
4) Before practice, it’s important to have a plan for everything you want to accomplish that day. Particularly if you’re training for multiple events, having a practice plan will keep you on track to achieve your goals! It always helped me to write down the tricks/routines I was going to focus on each day.
5) I tend to be a perfectionist, and I used to be hard on myself when my performance wasn’t flawless. However, in baton twirling, there is rarely a “perfect” routine. There are always mistakes, even if they aren’t noticeable to the audience or judges. I would tell my younger self to let go of the small mistakes, and focus on the big picture and my purpose in baton twirling.
6) Ever since I was little, my dream was becoming a Feature Twirler. As I got older, that goal included a twirling position with a scholarship. After years of hard work and competitions, it paid off. I’m very fortunate to receive a full-tuition scholarship with my position as the Feature Twirler for the University of Louisville.
7) I love X-Strut! I’ve taken ballet classes since I was 5 years old, and Strut is the perfect combination of dance and twirling for me! Overall, though, my favorite trick is elbow pops. There are so many variations within that single trick, and I love creating new combinations!
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