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Carrollwood Resident Gives Business Venture A Whirl

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By HAROLD VALENTINE

The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 19, 2008

FOREST HILLS - Self-discipline, exercise and teamwork are some of the benefits 10-year Carrollwood resident Heather Holloway sees in baton twirling.

"It's absolutely fun to do," she said.

Holloway, 33, was the National Solo Champion of the United States Twirling Association when she traveled to the University of Notre Dame at age 14. Since then, she has become a school teacher and started a family. But she has remained fresh on her baton twirling skills throughout her 20s and early 30s.

With memories from her childhood twirling, and since "it's kind of a dying art," she said, Holloway decided to start Heather's School of Baton Twirling.

A free clinic is 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at Just 4 Kids Playcare, 2001 Pine Lake Drive. Holloway said space is limited and anyone interested should register by contacting her at (813) 928-2823 or hsbt@tampabay.rr.com.

She will hold weekly sessions through July 17. Children ages 5 to 8 will practice from 6:30 to 7:20 p.m., and those ages 9 to 12 twirl from 7:30 to 8:20. Parents may pick Mondays or Thursdays. The first practice is Tuesday because of the Memorial Day holiday on Monday.

The cost for lessons and registration is $120, which includes a baton fitted to a child's size and strength. Holloway is aiming for 10 to 15 students per class.

Holloway said baton twirling, which includes some tumbling featured in cheerleading, helps motor skills.

"I am physically very agile," she said. "If one of my children were to throw a tennis ball at me, with my right hand I could catch it without looking."

Holloway said she will have availability later for children wanting to further develop the skill. She said twirling competitions are held throughout the country under the United States Twirling Association, and the skill also is used for majorettes in high school marching bands.

"I just like it because it's fun," said Holloway's daughter, Delaney, 7. Holloway said while teaching her daughter the basics of twirling, she often cannot get her to stop.

Holloway said twirling is not only for girls. She said boys are welcome.

HEATHER'S SCHOOL OF BATON TWIRLING

DATES AND TIMES: A free clinic, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday. Weekly sessions 6:30-7:20 p.m. for children ages 5 to 8 p.m., and 7:30-8:20 p.m. for ages 9 to 12 on Mondays or Thursdays.

LOCATION: Just 4 Kids Playcare, 2001 Pine Lake Drive

BENEFITS: Holloway said baton twirling requires exercise, refinement of motor skills, self-discipline and is plenty of fun.

COSTS: $120 for the eight-week sessions, which includes batons for children to keep

CONTACT: (813) 928-2823 or hsbt@tampabay.rr.com

Reporter Harold Valentine can be reached at (813) 865-1526 or hvalentine@tampatrib.com.

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