Over recent decades, baton twirling has developed from a recreational activity (the majorette concept of pleated mini-skirts and high-stepping parade marchers) into a challenging and internationally competitive sport.
Various organisations from around the world offer twirling programs and host competitions for all levels of athletes: from the beginner twirler to the highly skilled world class competitive athletes. The increasing popularity of the sport brought about the formation of the World Baton Twirling Federation, WBTF. Its mandate was to encourage international participation and to bring about the standardisation of the sport.
In 1977, initiation of the organization was undertaken in London, England.
In 1978, the by-laws and international rules were accepted in the Canary Islands.
In 1979, the first WBTF twirling demonstrations were presented in Nice, France. Shortly after, plans for the first world Baton Twirling Championships got underway.
In 1980, the first World Baton Twirling championships were held in Seattle, Washington with ten (10) countries participating.
The World Baton Twirling Championships, hosted by member countries, have been held annually since then.
In 2005, the International Cup was added to the World Championships, allowing more top ranking athletes to compete. The events include 1-baton, 2-baton, 3-baton, teams and groups.
In 2007, the decision was made to hold the World Baton Twirling Championships and the International Cup on alternate years.
In 2009, the first stand alone International Cup will be held in Sydney, Australia from August 6th to 9th at the Sydney Velodrome.
Member countries of the World Baton Twirling Federation who will be welcomed to Australia for the 5th International Cup include:
