Get ready to twirl, sparkle, and shine! Keria McCulloch, a passionate baton twirler and experienced coach, has brought her love for this dazzling art form to Hershey, PA, with the opening of Sparkle and Shine Twirling Studio. Whether you're a beginner looking for a fun way to learn or an experienced twirler ready to elevate your skills, Keria’s studio offers something for everyone. In this exclusive interview, we’ll dive into Keria’s inspiring journey, her vision for the studio, and why baton twirling is more than just a sport—it’s a way to connect, express, and shine!
Q: How did your journey with baton twirling begin?
A: I started baton twirling at age 4 through the Central Blair Recreation Commission in Altoona, PA. A few years later, I joined The Showtwirlers Competitive Team, where I had the privilege of learning alongside some of the most talented individuals in competitive baton twirling. Many of my former teammates have gone on to achieve incredible milestones, including one earning the prestigious title of National Collegiate Twirling Champion (USTA).
Q: Who were some of the key influences in your twirling career?
A: In 2011, I began taking baton twirling lessons with Renee Parowski at Mrs. P’s Chargers School of Baton in Altoona, PA. Renee’s influence was transformative—she not only helped me refine my advanced baton twirling techniques but also taught me the importance of creativity and artistry in the sport. Her guidance emphasized confidence, resilience, and finding joy in baton twirling competitions.
Q: When did you begin competing, and what was that experience like?
A: I didn’t start entering baton twirling competitions until I was 16, once I could afford the entry fees with a part-time job. Since I didn’t have a competition history, I began in lower divisions. However, with over 12 years of baton twirling experience, I had intermediate-to-advanced skills, which gave me an edge. While I enjoyed competing and winning nearly every event I entered, I shifted my focus to coaching baton twirling and supporting others in the sport.
Q: What are some of your personal accomplishments in the sport?
A: My competition titles reflect years of dedication to baton twirling as an art and sport. Some highlights include:
- 2016 PA State 16+ Novice X-Strut Champion (NBTA)
- 2023 TU International 16+ Basic Skills Pageant 1st Runner-Up
- 10th Place Overall in Miss TU International Pageant 2023
I’ve competed in both the National Baton Twirling Association (NBTA) and Twirling Unlimited (TU) organizations. I’m also working toward becoming a certified judge for both, aiming to bring my experience to the next generation of competitive baton twirlers.
Q: What do you love most about baton twirling?
A: What I love most about baton twirling is its creative freedom. It’s more than a sport—it’s an art form. Each performance is an opportunity for self-expression through twirling. My students especially enjoy participating in parades, which help them connect with the community and showcase their baton twirling skills in a fun and interactive way.
Q: What has your coaching experience been like?
A: I’ve had the privilege of coaching baton twirlers of all ages, from tiny tots to collegiate performers. I’ve taught at Pam’s Chargers School of Baton and also worked with silk flags at Altoona Area Junior High School. As a collegiate twirler with the Saint Francis University Red Flash Majorettes, I was honored to perform at a Northeast Conference Play-Off Game in 2022. Coaching allows me to pass on my passion for the sport and guide others in discovering the joy of baton twirling lessons.
Q: What do you do outside of twirling?
A: Outside of baton twirling, I hold an associate degree from Pennsylvania Highlands Community College and a bachelor’s in Organizational Leadership from Saint Francis University. I previously managed a government-contracted operation for a logistics company in Johnstown, PA, before moving to Hershey, PA in February 2024. Now, I work in the public sector, focusing on business operations and administrative efficiency.
Q: Can you tell us about your life in Hershey?
A: I currently live in Hershey, PA, with my fiancé, William, who is a Hummelstown native and Lower Dauphin alum. After over five wonderful years together, we’re excited to get married next August. Moving to Hershey has been an exciting new chapter for us, and I’m thrilled to contribute to the community through Sparkle and Shine Twirling Studio.
Q: What are your goals for Sparkle and Shine Twirling Studio?
A: My vision for Sparkle and Shine Twirling Studio is to create a welcoming environment where twirlers of all skill levels can build confidence, discover their potential, and fall in love with the art of baton twirling. Whether students are beginners or experienced performers, I aim to provide a space that fosters growth, self-expression, and a lifelong passion for the sport.
Many thanks to Keria McCulloch for your time in sharing with us about your baton twirling journey! If you have a little sparkler who might enjoy the athleticism, art, self-expression, and plain FUN of baton twirling, get in touch with Keria at sparkleandshinetwirling@gmail.com or visit her on Facebook!
