In a quiet pub on a side street in Middleton some magic is being made.
The Leeds Baton Rouge Majorette troupe meet to train there and three of their members are taking to the biggest stage their team sport has to offer in August. They are representing England in the first International Baton Twirling Federation Majorettes World Championship in Liverpool.
Charlotte, Ella and Chloe told us how excited and nervous they are about the event. They will be performing five routines in their age categories and are meeting once a month to practice with members from other troupes all around the country and then are practicing hard at home! They are waiting to hear about their costumes but are expecting a combination of military, dance twirl, with plenty of glitter too plus some surprises to come which are currently under wraps.
They will be performing over three days and will be there for the opening and closing ceremonies with teams from all over the world. Charlotte and Ella are in the senior team and Chloe is in the youth team. The participation for each majorette costs £1,000 and if any local organisations are interested in sponsoring them or offering any help with travel you can email leedsbatonrouge@googlemail.com
The troupe which is affiliated with the British Majorette Sport Association train twice a week with their twenty-four members aged six to twenty- eight and they are also happy to welcome new members.
Twelve-year old Chloe has been attending since she was seven years old and she likes being out and being with other people and enjoys the challenges of learning new routines. Charlotte is a hospital doctor and finds the training to be a great release from work stress. The other participant Ella is one of the head trainers and she set up the troupe fifteen years ago with the other trainer Lauren.
Leeds Baton Rouge Majorette troupe are already award winners. Ella and Lauren won coaches of the year at the National Majorette Championship and Chloe has won star of the future. Majorette troupes would like their sport to be recognised as an Olympic sport. Maybe South Leeds Life will be reporting on our local Olympic medal winners one day in the future.
Find out more and get involved search for Leeds Baton Rouge Majorettes on Facebook.
Whilst you’re here, can we ask a favour?
South Leeds Life is published by a not-for-profit social enterprise. We keep our costs as low as possible but we’ve been hit by increases in the print costs for our monthly newspaper – up 83% this year.
Could you help support local community news by making a one off donation, or even better taking out a supporters subscription?
Donate here, or sign up for a subscription at bit.ly/SLLsubscribe
