Biography
The Twirl Factory is located out of the Alexandria-Olympic Branch of the Boy's and Girl's Club in Alexandria, VA. The 30-member team started eleven years ago under the direction of Irene Johnson. She currently volunteers her time to expand the sport of baton twirling into the minority community.
Baton twirling develops self-esteem, teamwork ability, discipline, confidence and coordination. The goal of the team is to educate the proper twirling techniques and to have a social experience.
The children have previously performed at halftime of a Cleveland CAVS basketball game in Cleveland, Ohio. They also perform at festivals and college basketball games throughout the metro area. Some colleges include, George Washington, George Mason and Morgan State University. They have been featured with The Bowie State and Morgan State University Marching Bands at a football halftime show. In the winter of 2001, 2002 and 2003, 2008 they were invited to perform at the National Christmas Tree in Washington, DC, on the south lawn of the White House. The Twirl Factory marched in the 2003 National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade in downtown Washington, DC. They also have been featured twirlers with the Ballou Senior High School Marching Band and the Washington Showstoppers Marching Band from Washington, DC.
The Twirl Factory also competes at the AAU Junior Olympic Games. Since the inception of baton twirling into AAU, The Twirl Factory has participated every year. Starting off in Cleveland, Orlando, Virginia Beach, Knoxville, and finally Detroit MI.
Most recently the junior twirling team performed alongside Little Richard at halftime of the Liberty Bowl in Memphis, TN.
The Twirl Factory are a non-profit organization that proudly represents the Alexandria-Olympic Branch Boy's and Girl's Club. The children ages range from 3 to 18 years of age. They have the opportunity to be involved in a competitive sport alongside the artistic side of the sport of baton twirling.
The young team is gaining momentum in recruiting new members in the Alexandria community.
