About Us
Our History
Baton twirling traces its origins to Africa, Arabia, Siam, and the Samoan Islands, where twirling rituals were performed using swords, sticks, knives, and fire utensils. These were essential parts of ceremonies, festive gatherings, and cultural dances — blending athleticism and artistry long before modern sport twirling existed.
The Evolution of Baton Twirling
in North America
Original Pioneers of NBTA in Ontario
Elaine Jacobs (Buffalo, NY)
Joy Townsley (Peterborough) – Founder, teacher, and key leader in Canada and England
Dorothy Hurst-Wilkens (Hamilton) – Instructor, organizer, parade promoter
Elsie V. Ewald – Dance teacher, editor of The Canadian Twirler magazine
Previous NBTA Advisors to Canada
MAJOR John T. Totilas
Don Sartell
Eugene Shea
Ann Nita MacDonald
Jimmy Hallett
Renee Farrell
Jack Devenny
Previous Pioneers in Ontario
Thais Frook
Betty Feist Lynes
Joan Cousins
Marvin Helm
Marjorie St. Marie
Marney Cressy
Previous NBTA Camp Directors
Thais Frook
Fran Murakami
Elaine Jacobs
Deardra King
First Canadian Coaching Foundation Manual
Sandi Watt
Legacy Leaders of Baton Twirling in Canada
1930
Baton twirling in the United States was primarily a male domain, using large, heavy batons for parades and military-style performances. The debut of female twirlers introduced lighter, shorter batons, paving the way for competitive twirling.
1935
The first major baton twirling contest was held at the Chicago Music Festival.
1947
The National Baton Twirling Association (NBTA) was officially activated, standardizing the sport.
1948
Canadian and U.S. leaders began strengthening ties, with twirling in Ontario emerging from dance studios.
1951 – Present
The National League Majorette Championships began in St. Paul, Minnesota, marking the start of international participation with both Canadian twirlers and judges taking part. This cross-border collaboration between the USA and Canada has continued ever since.
1952
NBTA launched a national campaign to grow twirling across the USA and Canada.
1955
The first NBTA rule book was published.
1956
NBTA became an incorporated body.
~ 1956 - 1962
Competitions were held outdoors in connection with music festivals and drum corps contests in Ontario
1958
NBTA master scoresheet is introduced
1960
New, high qualification standards for NBTA judges and teachers were placed into effect
1961
NBTA Ontario and Canadian Championship contests were officially held for the first time.
~ 1962 – 1968
The first NBTA North American Baton Contest took place in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
1963
The NBTA Clearing House was established in Janesville, Wisconsin, to sanction all NBTA events across North America.
1963 – 1971
NBTA Canadian Championships were hosted at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) in Toronto, a major stage for Canadian twirling excellence.
1961 – 1998
Bernie and Sue King led major NBTA baton competitions in Kitchener for events like:
Waterloo Band Festival
Central Canada Championships
North American Oktoberfest
They invited judges from Ontario, New Brunswick, and the USA.
1964 – 1967
The first International NBTA Baton Camp was held in Muskoka, led by Elsie Ewald with advisor Dorothy Hurst-Wilkens. It brought together twirlers and coaches from the USA and Ontario for an unforgettable training experience.
1964
The NBTA Spectacular was held at the New York World’s Fair, showcasing twirling on an international stage.
1965 – Present
NBTA America’s Youth on Parade (AYOP) began in:
University of Mississippi
Syracuse, New York
University of Notre Dame, Indiana
AYOP welcomes judges, teachers, and twirlers from around the world to compete and connect.
1980 – 1982
The NBTA Little Big One took place in Orlando, Florida, where several top Ontario twirlers placed in the top 6—a proud moment for Canadian baton!
~ 1979 – Present
The Canadian Baton Twirling Federation (CBTF) and Ontario Baton Twirling Association (OBTA) began their journeys nearly 46 years ago, paving the way for the future of the sport.
Today
Now, we proudly continue the legacy with the Canadian National Baton Twirling Association (CNBTA)—building community, celebrating skill, and twirling into the future!