We are excited to spotlight
Emma Moore, a talented junior from the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD)! Originally from Eagan, Minnesota, Emma has been twirling for an impressive 12 years and has grown into a key representative of collegiate baton twirling in the Midwest.
Twirling Journey and Experience
Emma’s twirling journey began as an individual competitor across the Midwest and at the annual AYOP event at Notre Dame. She honed her skills with Dance Twirl Minnesota, participating in various team events like dance-twirls, parade corps, show corps, and twirling corps. This well-rounded experience has shaped Emma into the seasoned twirler she is today.
Now in her third year as a college twirler, Emma describes her favorite part of game day as the electric atmosphere on campus. She especially loves Bulldog Walk, where she gets to twirl fire through the tailgate area and lead the football team onto the field. "Everyone’s excited for what the day may bring," she shares.
A Memorable Game Day Moment
One of Emma’s standout memories was hosting her first "Feature Twirler For A Day" event, which was especially meaningful because it brought her full circle. As a young twirler, Emma attended a similar event hosted by her coach, who twirled at Mankato State. “It was during that event I realized I wanted to twirl in college,” Emma recalls, making it a heartfelt experience when she got to host the event herself at UMD.
What Emma Loves About College Twirling
For Emma, twirling at UMD is more than just performing; it’s about showcasing her sport and spreading school spirit. Twirling isn’t widely known in the Midwest, so she enjoys every opportunity to introduce it to the UMD community. “It’s amazing to show off this sport while representing my university,” she says.
Game Day Traditions and Preparations
Emma has several pre-game rituals that help her get into the right mindset for performances. Her game day starts with listening to a special playlist while her friend Tessa helps with her hair. She also has a long-standing tradition of getting ready with her teammate, Ely, which makes the day even more fun.
As for preparing for performances, Emma and Ely practice rigorously with the UMD band. Without a coach, the duo takes on the responsibility of choreographing and perfecting 5-7 routines for each game. With only two weeks between games, staying focused and disciplined is key to making game day a success.
Fueling Up for Performances
When it comes to fueling up before a big performance, Emma’s go-to snacks include a protein bar or avocado toast, providing her with the energy she needs to twirl through the day.
Advice for Aspiring College Twirlers
Emma offers inspiring advice for future twirlers: "No matter what your university is like—whether they have a history of twirlers or not—just go for it!" She shares her personal experience of being a twirler at a school that didn’t initially have a marching band. Thanks to the formation of a student-run marching band, Emma found herself in a supportive and welcoming community.
She encourages anyone in a similar situation to be bold and take chances. "Even if it hasn’t been done before, don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself. You never know what opportunities you might uncover."
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Emma’s journey as a college twirler is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and community. Her dedication to her sport and school spirit makes her a fantastic representative of both UMD and baton twirling. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for this talented twirler!
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