Strutting


It used to be that strutters had only one place to perform - in front of the band in a parade. Strutting contests developed, in fact, as a means for parade strutters to improve their skills. Now competitive strutting is an event in its own right.

A competition strutter's performance in many ways resembles the floor exercises you see in a gymnastics competition. In strutting, the twirler combines batonwork with both gymnastic and ballet moves.

From "The Complete Book of Baton Twirling",
by Fred W. Miller and Gloria Smith with Perri Ardman,
Doubleday &;Company, Inc., 1980 (out of print).


Strutting is composed of: an 8 count introduction, a compulsory 32 count military (executed in a retraced "L" using knee level and a definite 1-2 beat), a 32 count presentation similar to a "Free Style" or "fanfare" with no restriction in floor space, rhythm requirements, body or baton moves, and which climaxes with Forward Motion which is anything moving forward in a line of direction hitting every beat of the music with the feet, using a "stretch technique" with maximum amplitude designed to cover the floor space combined with complimentary baton, arm, and leg movements, and an 8 count ending.

Special Note: Strut draws from many sources for its material: Ballet, jazz, modern dance, folk dance, gymnastics, ice skating, etc., and it is a form of graceful flowing movement designed in rhythm to the music.

From the USTA Information, Procedures, and Rules, Tenth Revision"


Super X Pattern: Contestant shall perform individually within the prescribed floor pattern only once. Starting point shall be at upper corner of lane to judge's left. Direction of pattern shall be diagonally toward opposite corner, turning right at edge of lane, then straight to opposite edge of lane, turning right and proceeding diagonally to opposite corner, then turning left to center point of lane, turning left and proceeding in straight line toward judge for remaining required steps.

Twirling not permitted during strutting routine. From first movement to ending salute, twirling is not permitted in a strutting routine. Rolls, fingerwork, and baton releases are not permitted. Loops and swings are allowed. Not more than two continuous revolutions from center of baton are allowed. Continuous revolutions limited to two at a time, Baton must be in a full grip in one hand or another at all times during a strutting routine performance.

From the NBTA International 1995 Rules Handbook"


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