The Vogler Studio Parade Corps has been performing in local parades since 1978. Just this past year (2018) we performed in Christmas Parades in Winston Salem, Rural Hall, and Lewisville. The above video is highlights from the 2016 parades. Click 'Parade Pictures' on the home page to see pictures from 2017.
Parades are an opportunity for the students to be part of something big. Some parades will have over one hundred entrants. Last year the Vogler Dance Parade Corps was led by a teenager baton dance routine, followed by a two baton routine, followed by an intermediate one baton, and then a beginner one baton. Four routines going down the street at the same time to the same music. It becomes a big show. The Winston parade actually begins at dark so that the students can twirl their 'light batons'.
We are the only Dancing School in Winston Salem to incorporate baton twirling into their curriculum. All my students learn to twirl and are eligible to perform in parades. We are the only Dancing School in Winston Salem twirling batons in parades.
When the local TV news showed coverage of the Winston Salem parade in 2008 and 2009 they featured our girls performing. When the Winston Salem Journal's special 'Clemmons' section printed an article about the Lewisville Christmas parade in 2005 they placed one picture in the paper, and it was our girls twirling batons and smiling with spirit. In 2006 and 2007 the Winston Salem Journal featured our group in a large picture on the front of the Sunday Local section after performing in the Winston Salem Christmas Parade. The Lewisville Christmas Parade awarded us a second place trophy in 2008 and 2009.
The High Point parade awarded our group the 'outstanding majorette award' in 1990, '93, '96, '97, '98, '99, '00, '01, '02, '03, and 2004.
Even if you as a parent are not interested in baton twirling you will find your daughter enjoys picking up her baton and twirling it. Much of the rest of dancing class is difficult to practice without the classroom, music, and class around you. From a dance standpoint think of baton twirling as a novelty with a codified set of traditional options. I find that baton twirling gives the student an opportunity to focus on what her arms are doing, making it easier in the future to focus on arm work in all facets of dance training.
