Charisma Majorettes
Bromeswell, Woodbridge, Suffolk, UK
Charisma is a
sports group aimed at children in the local area of Woodbridge, Suffolk,
England, to provide the opportunity to learn majorette skills. We were
founded in June 1998 by the Troupe Leader, Trisha Catton (who is a
qualified United Kingdom Federation of Majorettes Judge and Trainer).
The Troupe is a skill building arena for the enjoyment of the children
and the betterment of the sport. The members are encouraged to learn
through achievement of grade badges, attendance medals, competing
awards, and certificates.
Charisma is run
on a completely voluntary and non-profit making basis. All monies taken
in are used for Troupe expenses and equipment. Each child is covered by
insurance whilst undertaking Troupe-led majorette activities.
Since opening
we have risen from 2 members to 16.
The Troupe
participates in United Kingdom Federation of Majorettes regional competitions against much larger and more
established troupes, and at National competitions and have collected
over 600 prizes, so we've got something working right! We have several past
and current National and Regional Champions in all categories of
competition, including Baton, 2-Baton, Mace and Championship level.
At the most recent Nationals in April 2012 four members attended and came away with 8 prizes between them and CHARISMA WERE ANNOUNCED REGIONAL CHAMPIONS! At the Regionals in January 2011, eleven members competed and every one claimed at least one prize, and totalled 25 prizes amongst them – and everyone continues to show their skills and win competitions at both regional and national level (sometimes against literally over 50 and more competitors) not bad for a small Troupe. We compete against several other troupes from around Suffolk and the members continue to produce thrilling results against extremely strong competition.
What do we do?
We train
children in the skills they need to carry out the sport of majorettes.
We mainly take part in UKFM organised competitions for group and solo
work, but have provided short displays at local events in return for a
donation to funds or free stall space.
Troupe members
are taught the skills for:
Baton twirling
Using Pom Poms (Cheerleading)
Flag twirling
Ribbon twirling
Mace twirling
Wheel baton twirling
Fancy Strutting (Carnival parade work)
Military Marching
Majorette Marching
These skills
are used in solo and group work. Some footwork is involved, but you
don't have to have the same co-ordination as for ballet or gymnastics!
Baton twirling is a skill, an art and a competitive sport and Charisma aims to help its members enjoy their skill.
The troupe meet
every Thursday night (6-7.30 for new/young members and 7-9 pm for
everyone else) at Bromeswell, near Melton, Woodbridge.
Charisma
Majorettes is affiliated to the United Kingdom Federation of Majorettes
and Baton Twirlers (UKFM) and welcomes children from 4 years of age. The
UKFM is the only baton twirling association recognised for the Duke of
Edinburgh's Award scheme.
The UKFM
provides grading levels for the skill of majorettes and members of
Charisma have taken and passed literally hundreds of badges in various disciplines of
majorette skills.
The motto of
the UKFM is "To help one another" and Charisma aim to carry this out.
The older or more skilled children of the Troupe share their knowledge
with newcomers and younger members to enable them to actively
participate in this enjoyable sport.
If you are
interested in joining the troupe, or sponsoring us, please contact the
Troupe Leader, Trisha Catton, on the following email address:
Trisha.Catton@btinternet.com.
Charisma - UKFM Regional Champions 2012
