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Alexandra Boissinot, FRANCE
Thanks to my technical skills, I would like to make your contribution to build and grow twirling practice all around the world. I also want to support the IBTF to be more recognized by the world sports boards.
National :
I am national coach-certified in France since 2001 (sports ministry’s certification).
I have working with more than 50 clubs as coach and choregrapher everywhere in France for 23 years.
Lots of my athletes has win several national gold medals (freestyle, pair, team and group categories).
I am working for the FFSTB since 2004 as national technical advisor.
I am working with the national technical manager about the preparation of the french delegation before all the international competitions. I am working with the FFSTB technical and coachs commission too (annual meetings…). Moreover, I have some missions in association n with the national judges commission in France (NJS implementation, annual meetings…). I also deal with developping twirling in Antilles (french islands in caribean sea).
Since november 2024, I am the person who representant all the french coaches in France (designated by vote) for 4 years.
International :
I was certified WBTF Coach/clinician (module 1) in 2018.
I pass successfully the NJS IBTF coach and technical specialist exam in october 2024.
I have working with many clubs and athletes in different countries (Spain, Scotland, England, Sweden, Italy, Switzerland...°
As coach, I have many sport pupils who be selected for international competitions and win european medals (freestyle, pair categories).
I am working with french delegation for 20 years in 2024.
Skills :
Thanks to my experience and my skills, I would like to take part in the IBTF technical commission about :
- NJS application / modification
- Developping twirling practice in new countries
- Training new international coaches
- Help to professionalized twirling (as exemple teaching to training high potentiel athlete during all his carreer).
Anastassia Tsaloukas, AUSTRALIA
A qualified PDHPE (Personal Development, Health, and Physical Education) teacher and dedicated baton twirling professional, I strive to make the sport accessible and inclusive for all. With broad experience in technical, communications, and leadership at the IBTF, I am uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between the Technical Commission and Communication teams. Known for my big ideas and enthusiasm, I bring an educator’s perspective to mentoring athletes, designing inclusive training programs, and upholding fair standards. Having reached finals internationally—and also landed at the bottom—I value every competitive experience and bring a grounded perspective, ready to give back and serve the baton twirling community worldwide.
EXPERIENCE
Technical Advisor, Twirling Australia, and formerly National Coach
- Provided strategic guidance on national regulations, training standards, and competition formats, aligning them with IBTF guidelines for consistency and fairness.
- Mentored coaches nationwide, implementing best practices to foster collaboration, skill development, and effective athlete progression.
- Consistently work collaboratively with the national Judges Chair and Coaching Director to educate judges and coaches, ensuring streamlined standards, up-to-date training methodologies, and an inclusive environment for both emerging and established professionals.
IBTF Marketing & Communications Team Member (5 years)
- Developed strategic social media outreach and served the WBTF Athlete’s Commission as co-chair starting in 2016.
- Transitioned to the IBTF M&C committee, collaborating across continents to amplify the sport’s voice, broaden reach and unify messaging.
- Recently contributed to building the new IBTF website; appointed Website Lead for 2025.
- Plans to act as a liaison between the Technical Commission and Communications, ensuring critical information is clear and accessible online.
- TwirlEd Moodle supportive administrator, assisting with digital learning resources (Modules 1, 2 & 5), providing technical assistance, and ensuring continuous professional development opportunities for coaches, judges, and athletes as led by IBTF Technical.
Technical Specialist for IBTF New Judging System (2 Tests)
- Served as one of the first officially qualified Technical Specialists for the new Freestyle Solo judging system, ensuring fairness, consistency, and accuracy.
- Will co-lead Technical Specialist panels at the 2026 World Championships, contributing to global standardization of judging practices.
Creator of World Baton Twirling Day
- Conceptualized and led this global initiative for nine years, including choreographing the official annual routine.
- Demonstrated leadership in organizing and promoting a worldwide celebration that welcomes participants of all abilities to share and engage in the sport.
Experienced PDHPE Teacher, Dance Choreographer/Teacher, Club Director (ULTIMATE TWIRLING)
- Uses teaching expertise to develop structured, skill-based programs that cater to diverse learning styles.
- Uses educational strategies to foster teamwork, confidence, and development within the Australian twirling community.
- Applies PDHPE principles such as motor skill development, sports psychology, and health education to baton twirling, helping athletes improve both physically and mentally.
- Promotes lifelong learning and well-being among athletes, coaches, and community members.
SKILLS
- Technical & Judging Expertise: Thorough knowledge and understanding of IBTF regulations and adept at refining systems for equity and efficiency.
- PDHPE & Educational Leadership: Applies health, fitness, and skill acquisition principles to training; excels at delivering tailored instruction and feedback.
- Communication & Collaboration: Excellent written and verbal communicator, adept at unifying diverse teams and guiding large-scale projects.
- Strategic Vision & Innovation: An “ideas person,” championing inclusion-driven projects like World Baton Twirling Day, demonstrating proven ability to lead from vision to completion.
Ann Marie Kennedy, USA
With an extensive background in baton twirling across all organizations, I bring a wealth of knowledge, experience and expertise to the sport. As the head coach of WHEATON, I have trained numerous national and world champions while developing a comprehensive program that integrates technical and artistic skills. This platform combines twirling, dance, acrobatics, and gymnastics with a focus on progressions that has successfully produced elite level athletes for over five decades.
As a former professional ballet dancer trained under the renowned Kirov (Vaganova) syllabus and certified through grade eight, my career has been shaped by the values and discipline foundational to both ballet and baton twirling. My goal is to leverage these principles to inspire and cultivate excellence and artistry in the next generation of athletes.
As the third daughter in a legacy twirling family, I began my journey at the age of 2 and competed until I was 21, earning the NBTA National Strut Championship title and numerous state and regional awards. In 1977, I assumed the role of director and coach at WHEATON, leading the team to sustained success. Since 1996, WHEATON has proudly competed as the U.S. team representative at 12 World Championships under NBTA, WFNBTA, and IBTF. Additionally, I have played a pivotal role in developing athletes who represented both USTA and NBTA on the world stage, earning a multitude of medals for our country's organizations.
Beyond coaching, I have hosted the NBTA Mid-Atlantic Regional competition for over 25 years. I am a certified professional USTA coach with judging credentials across multiple organizations and have served as a clinician for USA Gymnastics, the Vaganova Council of America, NBTA, WFNBTA, and NCAA-B1G Dance Team coaches.
Alongside twirling, I pursued a professional ballet career, committing to full-time intensive training at the age of 10. I attended the School of American Ballet (New York City Ballet) on a full scholarship and joined my first professional ballet company in San Francisco, CA, at 17. My career took me to Los Angeles, New York, Washington, DC, and Pittsburgh, PA,, where I performed full-length classical ballets, toured extensively, and trained under some of the world's most renowned ballet masters.
Today, I continue my passion for dance as the head coach of the University of Maryland Dance Team, a position I have proudly held for over 20 years. Throughout my journey, I have remained dedicated to coaching and mentoring aspiring talent in both twirling and dance, sharing the same passion and drive that have defined my career.
Concetta Murgia, ITALY
I was six years old when I first discovered the world of baton twirling. Since then, it has been an integral part of my life, first as an athlete, and later as a coach and judge.
In 2002, I embarked on my judging journey in Italy, and in 2010, I achieved the honor of becoming an international judge and clinician. I've had the privilege of serving as a judge at prestigious events such as the WBTF European and World Championships, as well as the IBTF Grand Prix and World Championships.
Throughout my career, I've been committed to continuous learning and growth. I've actively participated in technical and judging trainings to deepen my understanding of both the technical and artistic aspects of our sport.
Ethics and professionalism are the cornerstones of my work, both in my daily life and in the realm of baton twirling.
I'm part of the European Judges Commission and I'm actively involved in the development of the New Judging System for Solo Freestyle and Freestyle Team events. We're dedicated to disseminating this new methodology and creating user-friendly tools, courses, and training programs to facilitate its adoption by coaches and judges worldwide.
I aspire to continue contributing to the advancement of baton twirling. I'm passionate about supporting projects and initiatives that will elevate our sport to be recognised and understood as a professional discipline by a wider audience, not just by insiders.
I'm also committed to fostering the growth of the judging community. I aim to be an active member, identifying the priorities of our coaches and athletes, and promoting the importance of lifelong learning and professional conduct
I have a computer science master degree and in my main job I am part of the IT department of a multinational Japanese company operating in the Energy sector.
In my role as enterprise architect, I'm responsible for designing and implementing technology solutions that align with the company's long-term business goals. My focus is on creating efficient and cost-effective IT landscapes, including software applications and infrastructure. I thrive in international environments, collaborating with diverse teams across the globe.
With over three decades of experience in baton twirling, I've transitioned from athlete to coach and judge.
I have started baton twirling as an athlete when I was 6 years old.
I then became a coach and a judge in the Italian federation in 2002 and in 2010 I became an internal judge and clinician.
I am coaching in an Italian club since then, having experience in coaching both teams and freestyles solo athletes, achieving good national and international results.
I consider the judging career foundational for my work as a coach and viceversa, the work in the gym continues to help me understand what are the complexities of our sports that a judge needs to consider in his/her analysis.
Between 2018 and 2021 I have been the Head of Judges in the Italian Federation and I am now back in this role since 2024.
In 2017 I have been the Competition director for the European Championship in Italy while in 2022 I was the Tabulation office coordinator for the last WBTF World Championships.
I have served as clinician in several WBTF master judges training courses. I served as a judge at the WBTF European and World Championships, as well as the IBTF Grand Prix and World Championships.
I am part of the European Judges Commission, contributing to the organisation of the trainings for the judges selected for the European competitions.
I am part of the committees that developed the New Judging system for Freestyle Solo events and that is working now on the development of the Freestyle Team new judging system.
Darlene Gaboury, ENGLAND
First, a sincere thank you to you and your judges that I have worked closely with over the last 12 years. It has been an amazing and rewarding journey!! My goals, whether elected or not, are to continue to help our technical members have the tools they require to thrive and grow, enabling them to provide the highest level of professionalism to the athletes from your countries that they serve. I believe in listening to the unique needs of each country and continent, in transparency – that you should always know what process was followed to get to a decision and, in accountability – that if something isn’t working for you, then we work to improve it. I make myself available to answer questions and most importantly – if I don’t know the answer, I will quickly find someone who does. I would like to see our programs relatable to all country’s technical members regardless of their level of experience - technical advancements need to meet the needs of all countries and athletes - those who are just emerging as well as those who are highly advanced. I like to bring positive energy to everything I do, understanding we are all valuable parts working together for a greater good and that all country’s members need to be supported and heard.
My experience touches every aspect of our sport, having participated/served in almost every role. I began as a majorette, progressing to an accomplished international athlete in both federations. I have been a successful coach of every discipline we offer in both federations training not only beginners but also coaching National, International and World Champion athletes in both federations. I’m in a small group who have judged at both WBTF and WFNBTA World Championships. In administration, I was the first, at only 18 years old (long ago!) to secure sport recognition for baton twirling in my province. I have been a National President, a National Technical Director, a National Coaches Rep, and most recently, your IBTF World Judges Co director for the last 12 years. I have written many manuals, rule books and exams and designed, prepared and presented countless webinars. My experience gives me a rare advantage of knowing the needs of each section of technical members and, being one of the founding members of the IBTF, gives me in-depth, first-hand knowledge of how the IBTF has evolved to this point. The amount of work accomplished so far is outstanding and I am very proud to have been a part of this development. Although I have loved working mostly with your judges in the IBTF, being instead a member at large allows my experience in all areas to be more utilized. However, I believe the success of our sport doesn’t rest on who sits in what place in the organization. Even if I am not elected, I will support and assist where I am asked. There are many wonderful colleagues of mine running for these positions and I am confident that, no matter what, the IBTF will be in competent hands. When we all work together with a positive attitude – regardless of position or power – we can achieve great things!
Iva Rejlová, CZECH REPUBLIC
Accomplished professional with over 20 years of experience in majorettes and twirling sports, showcasing expertise in leadership, event management, and judging at the national level since 2008. Renowned for fostering talent, driving organizational success, and advancing the sport through strategic initiatives. Recognized for a commitment to excellence, strong ability to inspire athletes to achieve their full potential. Passionate about promoting the art and sport of majorettes and twirling, with a strong focus on advancing majorettes disciplines internationally.
Professional Experience
Technical Director
2014 – Present
• Plan and execute regional and national majorettes and twirling competitions, ensuring seamless coordination and adherence to regulations.
• Oversee budgets, logistics, and collaboration with coaches, athletes, and sponsors to deliver successful events.
• Design and implement training programs emphasizing technical precision and sportsmanship.
• Represent the organization at international meetings and events, advocating for the sport and building global partnerships.
National Judge
2008 – 2015
• Evaluated performances at national competitions, providing impartial assessments based on international standards.
• Delivered constructive feedback to participants to support skill development and promote excellence.
• Maintained knowledge of rule changes and emerging trends to ensure fair evaluations.
• Contributed to the development of judging criteria and scoring systems to enhance transparency and consistency.
Board Member
2013 – Present
• Collaborate with fellow board members to define and execute strategic initiatives aimed at growing the sport of majorettes and twirling.
• Develop policies and national programs to increase the sport's visibility and reach.
• Advocate for athlete welfare and champion inclusivity within the federation.
• Lead recruitment and training efforts for future coaches and judges to ensure sustainability in the sport.
Key Achievements
• Directed over 40 successful national competitions, engaging hundreds of participants and spectators.
• Judged 20 high-profile events, contributing to the promotion of athletic excellence.
• Played a pivotal role in designing a training curriculum for judges, enhancing evaluation consistency.
• Created a national tabulation system for judges and administrative staff.
• Certified National Judge for Majorettes and Twirling (2008)
Skills
• Event and Competition Management
• Leadership and Team Building
• Conflict Resolution and Negotiation
• Strategic Planning and Policy Development
• Communication and Public Speaking
Jenny Persson, SWEDEN
I want the sport to unite as one strong unit, we need to work together to find the best ways to bring our wonderful sport into the future. I want to help create a rulebook that is easy to follow with as few opportunities for interpretation as possible, making it easier for all countries to become their best.
I bring a neutral point of view to IBTF because Sweden is still a young twirling country and does not have old traditions in competitive twirling. This gives me a unique standpoint to discussions, which can be very valuable in moving the sport forward.
I am a coach, international judge, a technical advisor in Sweden and the Swedish technical representative since 2006. I have also been a member in the WBTF's ETC since its beginning. I coach athletes at all levels and beginning in 2012 I have had athletes on international competitions.
I was a part of the WBTF World Championships organizing committees in 2016 and 2024 as well as the one for the WBTF European Championships in 2013. These experiences have given me a lot of connections with representatives from other countries, both technical advisers and presidents as well as coaches and athletes.
I find it easy to connect and talk to people from all around the world, and I speak both Swedish and English fluently. This is an important skill when working in a group with people from all around the world.
Joan Didac Roman Pallares, SPAIN
We are at a pivotal moment in the history of Baton Twirling, thanks to the tremendous work and effort of so many individuals who have contributed their time and dedication to finally unite twirlers from around the world under this new federation, created with such great enthusiasm and hope.
Now is the time for all of us to come together in this new chapter, ensuring that no one is left behind. For this reason, having shared so many years of experiences and competitions within both WBTF and NBTA, I believe we should focus our efforts on the following key points:
- Respect all styles and events in Twirling to grow our sporting family and make this new organization inclusive.
- Build through mutual listening and learning across the generations shaping this new structure, creating the perfect tandem of experience, fresh ideas, and motivation.
- Simplify technical regulations for better understanding by coaches and athletes.
- Motivate young twirlers to strive to become outstanding athletes while taking care of their mental health and understanding that they are the ones who should decide how far they want to go in their sporting careers.
- Understand the technical needs of the great Twirling powers without forgetting the countries following in their footsteps, providing them with the proper support and training while valuing their unique characteristics.
- Listen to the needs of the countries that may join this IBTF project to ensure their active participation.
I am confident that whatever the new technical team may be, they will do an outstanding job. I wish everyone the best of luck and success in this endeavor!
Baton Twirling has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. At the age of 10, I was already competing at both national and international levels, and for 16 years, I gave my all to achieve my individual and collective goals while representing my country, Spain.
I remember my first WBTF European Championship in Germany in 2000, my first choreography with Sébastien Dubois, the hours spent training with my teammates creating routines... The admiration I felt for the top athletes of that time as a young athlete from a country with a modest level but an immense desire to learn. The intensity and excitement I experienced in every competition are something I will never forget.
It has been a privilege to be part of that generation of Spanish athletes who achieved a finalist position as a team at a WBTF World Championship, 18 years ago in Rome. Later came the third-place finish as a team at the WBTF European Championships and the 5th-place finish at the 2008 WBTF World Championships in Ireland. At that very event, I had the honor of being the first Spanish athlete to compete in an International Cup in the Solo 2-Baton event.
After a period of significant changes on the international scene, I embarked on a parallel journey, competing at the 2013 NBTA European Championships, where I achieved first place in Solo 1 Baton. From then until 2016, I alternated between national and international competitions in both federations, not only as an athlete but also as a judge and coach.
In 2017, the Twirling Commission of the Spanish DanceSport Federation invited me to join their team and become the new Technical Director for Twirling in Spain, a role I proudly accepted. Since then, we have worked tirelessly to professionalize and elevate the image of Twirling in our country, achieving the highest participation in international competitions in history. We have supported our athletes both technically and psychologically, enabling them to achieve ever-improving results year after year, thanks to the dedication of each athlete and coach, while striving to project the best possible image of our sport.
The work carried out over the past seven years has brought us to where we are today. We have nearly doubled the number of clubs participating in national competitions, successfully achieved a smooth and respectful union with NBTA Spain, and now, we are all part of this international project: the IBTF.
To summarize, I would like to share my international career with all of you:
- 2000 (Germany) – Athlete at the CETB European Championship
- 2001 (Germany) – Athlete at the CETB European Cup
- 2002 (France) – Athlete at the CETB European Championship
- 2003 (Ireland) – Athlete at the CETB European Cup
- 2004 (Switzerland) – Athlete at the CETB European Championship
- 2005 (Slovenia) – Athlete at the CETB European Cup
- 2006 (Belgium) – Athlete at the CETB European Cup
- 2006 (Italy) – Athlete at the WBTF World Championship
- 2007 (Netherlands) – Athlete at the CETB European Championship
- 2008 (Germany) – Athlete at the CETB European Cup
- 2008 (Ireland) – Athlete at the WBTF World Championship and International Cup
- 2009 (France) – Athlete at the CETB European Championship
- 2011 (Italy) – Athlete at the CETB European Championship
- 2013 (Netherlands) – Athlete at the NBTA European Championship
- 2013 (Netherlands) – Athlete and coach at the WBTF International Cup
- 2014 (Germany) – Athlete and coach at the WBTF European Cup
- 2014 (England) – Athlete at the WBTF World Championship
- 2016 (France) – Athlete at the WBTF European Cup
- 2017 (Croatia) – Coach at the NBTA European Championship
- 2018 (Ireland) – Technical Director of Spain and coach at the WBTF European Cup
- 2019 (Italy) – Coach at the NBTA European Championship
- 2019 (France) – Technical Director at the WBTF European Championship
- 2019 (France) – Technical Director and coach at the WBTF International Cup
- 2022 (Spain) – Technical Director, coach, and organizing member of the WBTF European Cup
- 2022 (Italy) – Technical Director and coach at the WBTF World Championship
- 2023 (France) – Technical Director and coach at the WBTF European Championship
- 2023 (England) – Technical Director and coach at the IBTF Nations Cup and World Championship
- 2024 (Sweden) – Technical Director and coach at the IBTF World Championship
I believe it is time for a member of the Spanish delegation to join one of the IBTF working teams, which is why I am submitting this candidacy. My goal is to represent all those who have built Twirling in Spain since the 1980s and all those who continue to fight for greater recognition of our sport in the country.
Kim Genton, CANADA
I am deeply committed to helping shape the future of our sport and ensuring the International Baton Twirling Federation (IBTF) thrives as it transitions to becoming a new world organization. My goal is to support Canada in playing a meaningful and influential role in this new structure, reflecting the values and diversity we bring to the global stage. I am equally dedicated to working closely with the IBTF executive and board, offering my unwavering support to foster a successful and sustainable organization.
What I bring to this mission is both personal and professional: a lifelong passion for baton twirling, shaped by years of involvement in the sport, and a unique global perspective. Having lived and raised a family across five continents, I deeply appreciate the importance of cultural diversity and its role in uniting people through shared experiences. I am also a skilled problem-solver, adept at navigating complex challenges with creativity and collaboration. Together, I believe we can build a stronger, more inclusive future for our sport and the IBTF.
With over 45 years of dedication to the sport, I bring a wealth of experience as an athlete, coach, Master Judge, club director, and parent of a world-level athlete. My journey has spanned every aspect of baton twirling, from grassroots development to the global stage, equipping me with a comprehensive understanding of the sport’s demands and opportunities.
I have proudly served as President of Ontario Baton Twirling and as the Coaches’ and Judges’ Representative for the Canadian Baton Twirling Federation (CBTF), roles in which I championed progress and collaboration. My contributions have been recognized with numerous honors, including a Lifetime Achievement Award, the Lynda Garland Award, and a Community Civics Award. As a Master Judge and Level 3 Coach, I have mentored athletes and officials alike, always striving for excellence and inclusivity in our sport.
This extensive background has honed my leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills. I am committed to leveraging these strengths to support the IBTF’s mission, ensuring its success and advancing the sport for future generations.
Maureen Johnson, CANADA
I have always been fascinated with the skill required to twirl a baton. Early on, it became very obvious to me that in order to be successful there was a correct way to handle the intricacies of the silver stick that produced a fluid , often flawless, performance, and an incorrect technique that led to errors and inconsistencies. From my own days of marching in parades to performing on stage or competing with others that ‘difference’ became my mission as a Coach. I became a believer in a progressional method of teaching the Sport of Baton and developed a ‘Pre Competitive’ program within CBTF for young twirling students. Progressional teaching requires learning from the fundamentals and moving upward from there.
I want to share this knowledge with Coaches, both experienced and brand new. These basic beliefs will grow our sport and contribute to the success of the ongoing merger for all athletes. Ultimately, there will be fewer penalties as the judging system rewards correct technique, performances will be more expressive as the athletes become more proficient.
In order to grow the Sport, it is also important to remember the ‘grassroots’ support from Clubs in all of the IBTF countries. The group participation at this level is vital to our survival as a World Sport.
If elected as a member of the IBTF Technical Sport Commission, I would like to continue to develop and contribute videos to the IBTF Coaching Community, as well as participating in Webinars in this same area.
National Positions
- CBTF Technical Representative to WBTF Technical Committee, 2016 - 2024
- CBTF National Coaches Rep, 2015 - present
International Positions
- WBTF Executive Technical Committee, Coaches Vice-Chair, 2016 - 2021
- WBTF Executive Technical Committee, Coaches Chair, 2021 - 2024
- Created the new (2019) Vertical and Horizontal Contact Elements (6A and 6B) for Short Program
- Contributor to the development of the WBTF/IBTF Freestyle Solo Judging System:
- developed the Contact Material Grid and demonstration videos
- developed the Rolls Code of Points chart and demonstration videos
- Member of the committee developing the IBTF Freestyle Team Judging System
- WBTF Honorary Member, 2013
Athlete Accomplishments
- Coached athletes and groups at AYOP in 1968, 1974, and 1976
- Coached athletes that competed at WBTF World Championship and International Cup competitions since 1980
- Coached athletes at IBTF Grand Prix, World Championship, and Nations Cup competitions since 2015
- AYOP Little Brown Jug Twirl Corps Champions, 1974 and 1976
- WBTF Freestyle Solo
- Stacy Singer
- Gold Medallist: 1985, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993
- Bronze Medallist: 1986, 1987
- Julee Stewart
- Silver Medallist: 2022
- WBTF Freestyle Pair
- Leah Holliday & Sheryl Holliday
- Bronze Medallist: 1994
- Leah Holliday & Jennifer Tangjerd
- Gold Medallist: 1999
- Whitney Nichols & Jennifer Dauncey
- Bronze Medalist: 2002
- WBTF Freestyle Team
- Gold Medallist: 1991 (Team Canada)
- Silver Medallist: 1988, 1990, 1994 (Team Canada)
- Bronze Medalist: 1989, 1996 (Team Canada)
- WBTF Artistic Group
- Gold Medallist: 2005, ‘Holding Out For A Hero’
- Gold Medallist: 2015, ‘Hernando’s Hideaway’
- Bronze Medallist: 2019, ‘The Greatest Showman’
Maxine Halford, ENGLAND
I have been involved in twirling for so many years having judged and coached athletes in both WBTF AND WFNBTA to an international level. I have been a member of the European NBTA Technical Board for several years, working to continuously develop our teachers, judges and athletes. Delivering courses I am passionate and dedicated to growing the sport of baton twirling, to bring together our current twirling communities and work for those who are yet to be our future. I am excited to work through the challenges this position may bring and be part of the continuous development of our sport.
Coming from a background of 24 years in education, I am able to bring ideas and developments into the way we create resources and deliver to a wide range of ability and knowledge levels, delivering across different cultures, being able to use technology to deliver in different languages and try to breakdown the barriers to understanding. We need to promote baton twirling to new countries to encourage growth of the sport and easier access. I would like to see professionally recognised and accredited courses to support all coaches. This education needs to be extended to safer practices and safeguarding of our athletes, I have this knowledge and expertise to drive this forward. I also have a sound knowledge of dance and gymnastic training, together with all the knowledge acquired through judging and teacher courses from WBTF and NBTA master courses. Learning is continuous for everyone and with the right programs and support Baton Twirling will continue to grow stronger. I believe in encouraging discussion, debates and sharing of ideas to increase knowledge and understanding, this is another area which needs to be developed within the education of our coaches.
Maya Kosmo, NORWAY
I am deeply passionate about this sport, which has been an integral part of my life since childhood. My goal is to contribute to the recognition of baton twirling as a professional discipline, like other international sports.
With my expertise and dedication, I aim to support the ongoing development of the IBTF into a professional and forward-thinking organization that values the perspectives and skills of athletes, coaches, and judges alike.
I strongly believe that knowledge is key to progress, and I am committed to fostering a shared understanding and alignment among coaches and judges. This is essential to creating an environment where athletes feel confident and supported within the organization. Furthermore, I want to highlight and build upon the successful structures we currently have, while working collaboratively to chart the best path forward for the growth and success of our sport.
My career in baton twirling began with NBTA Norway. In 2011, I represented Norway for the first time internationally as a member of the national team, and I have been part of the national team in various categories from 2011 to 2024.
After achieving several finals and strong placements at European and World Championships, I earned my first major medal as a World Champion in the NBTA World Championship 2018, winning in the twirl duet category with Mathias Langseth Eliassen. In 2019, I became European Champion in X-Strut Senior, and in 2022, I achieved European Champion titles in both Rhythmic Twirl and 1-Baton, becoming the first Norwegian female athlete to do so. In my career I also competed in solo events in WFBTA and became national champion in solo 2017.
As Norway has been a growing nation in baton twirling, I sought opportunities to expand my knowledge internationally. I have traveled extensively, including to Netherland, France and the USA, to learn from experienced professionals and build valuable connections. Which have made a big impact on my career but also my experience outside of Norway.
In 2022, I retired as a solo athlete in NBTA and continued competing with Team Stella Norway in WFBTA, and the IBTF 2023 and IBTF World Championship 2024 which was my last competiton as an athlete.
Alongside my athletic career, I have always had a strong passion for coaching. I have worked with both beginners and elite athletes, choreographing and training Team Stella Norway to multiple international medals. In 2019, I became a certified NBTA judge, taking on judging assignments between 2019 and 2022. In 2023/2024, I have taken the WFBTA judging certification and have continued judging during this period for the twirl events selections to iBTF competitions.
Currently, I serve as a coach, judge, and club leader, as well as a member of the Technical Committee for Sportsdrill Norway under the Norwegian Dance Federation. I work as a choreographer and coach taking assignments both in Norway and internationally, I have been in Belgium, Netherland and also including participating in the PD Tour in 2023 and 2024.
I am highly driven and proactive, eager to share my knowledge and experiences while continuing to learn and contribute to the development of the sport. I believe my unique perspective as someone who has been actively involved in both NBTA and WFBTA, as well as a recent competitive athlete, allows me to understand and address the needs of athletes, coaches, and judges. I am passionate about engaging all roles to drive the sport forward, and I strive to contribute meaningful value to this process.
I work as a general manager in a kindergarten, where I am responsible for staff management and organizational structure. I have completed several courses in communication and hold a degree in child welfare pedagogy.
Moran Prescillia, FRANCE
Being an international judge and having judged several international competitions, I wish to provide my expertise and help within the working groups and on the various projects of the IBTF technical commission.
French judge for almost 20 years but also judge trainer and head of the sports commission and the judges commission of the French federation for the last 4 years, I have been able to work cross-functionally on several projects and in connection with the different freestyle and technical disciplines .
Sandi Rios, USA
My goal is to continue to strive for Olympic sports status through our policies, procedures, and educational offerings. I recognize that BATON Twirling is a physically demanding and creative performance art requiring discipline, teamwork, and dedication. I firmly believe that these values must never compromise the safety and well-being of our athletes
My philosophy is and always will be to help provide a fair and equitable competition environment and create a space where everyone is welcome to enjoy the sport we all love.
Sandi Rios from California, USA. I’m currently the Director of Operations for the United States Twirling Association (USTA). I have also served as the Technical Advisor for the USA since 2008 and on the WBTF Executive Technical Committee.
As a Master Judge, Clinician, and Certified Coach for over 50 years, my students range from Beginners to Elite World Class athletes. My students have achieved National Championship titles in Solo, 2 Baton, Strut, Artistic Twirl, Artistic Pairs, and Teams. On the World stage, my students have captured World Gold Medals in the disciplines of Freestyle, Pairs, and Team.
My passion extends into the administration realm of USTA and WBTF/IBTF by assisting with the creation of the Content Restrictions for the B & A level along with establishing the minor and major movement descriptions and corresponding video, a tool that is now utilized worldwide.
In partnership with the Judges Committee an interdepartmental collaboration developed the curriculum for module 1 & 2 of the WBTF Coaches Level 1 Certification, an intensive project that I helped spearhead and complete.
I served as the project manager; most notably for the implementation of the WBTF Coaches level one certification, the judging system, and various details for the new IBTF DanceTwirl Team discipline, as well as majorly contributing to the New Judging System (NJS) in the Freestyle Team discipline.
Tamiko Okoshi, JAPAN
I want to help at IBTF to get Baton recognized as a sport.
Japan National Team Technical Committee
Tomoko Natsuda, JAPAN
I have been involved in the development of athletes as a coach of Japanese baton for about 40 years. I will provide my experience to the activities of IBTF. I also want to support the development of baton twirling as a sport by sharing my coaching skills with younger coaches. I promise to work patiently while respecting the various progress in the world.
I started twirling 55 years ago, and studied under Aiko Takayama and Noriko Sugiura.
I have a wide range of skills, including solo, two-baton, three-baton, freestyle and other individual events, as well as pair and artistic team events, and I choreograph and teach.
I have been focusing on coaching, but I have also been an international judge for about 10 years, and I have realized the importance of coaches and judges sharing the same information.
In order to achieve this, I believe that there needs to be a bridge between coaches and judges.
I would like to take on this role. I promise to work for the IBTF in a fair, kind and patient manner at all times and for everyone.