Harford County Twirlers Win Big In National Competition

Six members of Applause of Bel Air Baton Twirling Corps, a program of Bel Air Parks and Rec, competed in July at AYOP (America’s Youth on Parade) National Baton Twirling Competition, at the University of Notre Dame, in South Bend, Indiana.

The Junior Small Beginner Dance Twirl Team won first place to become the 2017 National Champions in their division, beating thirty one teams from across the country. The Junior team consisted of Jessica Delloso, Kathleen Gallatin, Melissa Gallatin, Gianna Houck, and Megan Cleary. The team also competed in the Twirl Team division, placing third out of twenty eight teams.

All six twirlers brought home top ten medals in individual events, in their respective divisions, including two National titles. Gianna Houck is the National Novice Two-Baton winner in the age twelve division, and Lily Orsburn is the National Show Twirl winner in the eight year old category. Lily also placed second in Flag Twirling, fifth in Two Baton, and sixth in solo. Megan Cleary placed eighth in Two Baton. Kathleen Gallatin received fifth in Two Baton, and ninth in solo. Melissa Gallatin placed eighth in Super-X. Jessica Delloso placed second in solo, and tenth in Super-X. In addition, she competed in the National three part Beginner Senior Pageant, placing seventh in the modeling category, and receiving eleventh place overall.

Several team members also earned top spots at the State and Regional level. Gianna Houck is the MidAtlantic Regional 10-12 Beginner Super X winner, and the Novice 10-12 Maryland State Two Baton winner. Lily Orsburn won both the State and Regional Two Baton title, along with the State and Regional Super X title, in the 7-9 division. Megan Cleary captured the State Super X and Two Baton titles in the 16+ division, and Melissa Gallatin is the State Modeling winner in the 16+ division.

The Applause Travel Team is coached by Barb Garrity and Dawn Amos.

Applause of Bel Air offers recreation classes and team opportunities for all levels, beginner through advanced. New members are always welcome! To register online for the 2017-2018 twirling season, visit www.applauseofbelair.com, or email applauseofbelair@yahoo.com.