Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Rudin.
Hi Sara, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Growing up as a competitive athlete, I easily saw what I wanted my own team to look like one day: a group of individuals more concerned with ethics, sportsmanship, and kindness above winning. Would we still be competitive? Absolutely, but not at the expense of others. I believe those who teach youth sports have a responsibility to be a positive role model in these young kids’ lives. That is not a responsibility I take lightly.
In 2016, I saw an opportunity to start my own baton twirling group that focused on the values I found important. My main goal is to grow the sport of baton twirling (with a foundation of dance, cheer, and proper fundamentals), so in addition to beginning a recreational and competitive baton twirling group here locally in Round Rock, I also created Baton Twirling 101 to educate current twirlers how to start their own baton twirling group. We have books, courses, and practice notebooks available on Amazon.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Starting your own business comes with its own form of struggles, but as a baton twirler, finding a place to twirl is usually our biggest challenge. Gymnasiums believe we will damage floors (we do less damage than basketballs). Other places believe we will break windows or mirrors. I have yet to see a broken window or mirror after 30 years of twirling. If we are able to find a gym, we are usually paying an arm and a leg for one slot of time.
I have always wanted to partner with a dance studio or gymnastics gym. I feel our skills complement each other. I also want to get baton twirling into schools, but there are usually a ton of hoops to jump through. Unless you have an “In” at these schools, it’s hard to begin a program – even when offered for free.
Currently, I have found a great place to teach my recreational classes at OBK Fitness in Round Rock. I am one of the lucky ones to have found such an amazing place with great owners. They worked with me on payments, and they were a big help when writing my book, “ Baton Twirling 101 for Coaches: An Appendix of Foundational Material for New Baton Twirling Coaches”.
Even with a “home” for the Honeybees, I still want to branch out and make connections with other schools/band programs/dance/cheer/gymnastics studios in the area. Reach out if you want to collaborate!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I teach recreational and baton twirling, dance, and cheerleading classes in person, online, and through a go-at-your-own-pace online course. I specialize in breaking down elements to a point where anyone can understand it. I am currently most proud of authoring my very first book, available at book.batontwirling101.com. I created the very first Podcast for twirlers called the Baton Twirling Podcast. I took a short break after my daughter was born, but I plan to add more episodes this year!
I feel my motivation for twirling sets me apart from others. My goal is to see the sport grow, so a lot of my focus is on creating a solid foundation for twirlers rather than hurry them to the next competition or collect trophies. I also hand-pick coaches for my students to work with around the country so they can find different ways to learn techniques.
Baton Twirling has opened many doors for me – including leading me to become a coach for Round Rock Youth Cheer: A non-profit here connected to Round Rock Youth Football. I am so blessed to have found a group of coaches who share the same values I do.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
If beginning a business built around your passion was easy, everyone would do it. Take those first steps, join networking groups, and put your intentions out into the universe because you never know who will hear you and want to help you with your vision. Regardless of all the hard times, the emotional rollercoaster, and the new things I learn daily if given the chance, I would do it all over again.
Pricing:
- Classes: $80/6 weeks
- Private Lessons*: typically $25/half hour
- Online course: $10/month or $100/year
- Books: $10-$30
Contact Info:
- Email: honeybeetwirlers@gmail.com
- Website: www.HoneybeeTwirlers.com
- Instagram: @honeybeetwirlers
- Facebook: @honeybeetwirlers
- Other: www.batontwirling101.com
Image Credits
Mia Grimes; Texas Civic Impact Council
