Today, we’re excited to spotlight Chelsea Halterman, a fourth-year twirler from Penn State University, who’s here to share what it’s like to be a captain on the Touch of Blue majorette line. With 18 years of twirling experience and unforgettable memories from performing in front of packed crowds at Beaver Stadium, Chelsea’s journey offers insight, advice, and a glimpse into the magic of college twirling.
Meet Chelsea
University: Penn State University
Year: Senior
Hometown: Marietta, PA
Twirling Experience: 18 years of individual and team competition; current captain of the Touch of Blue majorette line
Game Day Magic
For Chelsea, there’s no better way to kick off game day than pregame! She describes the electrifying energy from the 110,000 fans who fill Beaver Stadium with roars of enthusiasm. And, as a game day tradition, Chelsea ends pregame with a fist bump from Coach James Franklin—a moment she always looks forward to.
One of her most unforgettable game day experiences was her very first White Out during freshman year. Chelsea recalls the incredible sight of every fan turning on their phone flashlights, creating a sea of glowing lights and intense unity. "It’s probably the coolest thing I’ve ever seen," she says, "and I still get chills just thinking about it."
Why Twirling for Penn State is Special
Twirling in the Blue Band has been a rewarding experience for Chelsea. After many years of competitive twirling, she loves the opportunity to be a part of Penn State’s community, cheering on her school and connecting with fans. "Twirling as a Penn State majorette has been incredibly fun," she shares. The Blue Band allows her to combine her love for twirling with school spirit and camaraderie.
Game Day Traditions and Rituals
Every game day morning starts with the team’s phone chain, where each majorette calls another to wish them a happy game day! They get ready together at the Blue Band Building, jamming out to high-energy music and getting pumped for the day ahead. Before heading to Beaver Stadium, Chelsea and her teammates grab hands for a big group squeeze, doing their favorite chant with Mackenzie and their drum major Carson. Then, it’s time for their “2 spin line”—a ritual where each team member takes turns catching a two-spin trick, hyping each other up before they hit the field.
Preparation for Performances
Game day performances require intense preparation. The Blue Band creates a new halftime show for every home game, which means plenty of rehearsals. Chelsea and her team practice Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, with a “Full-Out Friday” run-through where they perform their entire halftime show to ensure all tricks and exchanges are perfect. During back-to-back game days, they add an extra Thursday practice to polish choreography and field formations.
Game Day Essentials
The team’s go-to meal on game day? A classic sub and a game day cookie from the Penn State Bakery. The combo fuels Chelsea and her teammates for their high-energy day of performances!
Advice for Aspiring College Twirlers
Chelsea’s advice for incoming college twirlers focuses on teamwork, growth, and balance. "Embrace the team culture and form relationships with your teammates," she suggests, noting that friendships both on and off the field make the experience so much richer. She encourages new twirlers to learn from their teammates and develop new skills, keeping their twirling journey fresh and exciting. Lastly, she emphasizes the importance of balancing academics and twirling, advising others to prioritize mental health and stay on top of coursework to fully enjoy practice and performances.
Final Thoughts
Reflecting on her college twirling experience, Chelsea says, "Twirling for Penn State has been the best experience!" She encourages all collegiate twirlers to embrace every opportunity and make the most of every moment, as these years go by in a flash. From thrilling game days to lifelong friendships, twirling at Penn State has been a dream come true for Chelsea.
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