TWIRL FOR THE ROSES: OPEN CONTEST
Miss Kentucky Derby Majorette: is a title that carries a sense of tradition, elegance, and skill within the realm of baton twirling. Held annually in conjunction with the iconic Kentucky Derby, this event celebrates the art and precision of majorettes who captivate audiences with their dazzling performances. Participants are judged on their technical skills, showmanship, and overall presentation, blending athletic prowess with artistic flair. Winning the title is not just an acknowledgment of one's talent but also a prestigious honor that ties the majorette to the rich history and pageantry of the Kentucky Derby. The event highlights the importance of dedication, practice, and creativity in the world of competitive baton twirling.
Contestants will compete in Modeling, Solo, and Strut.
NOVICE LEVEL:
Modeling - Derby Day attire, Circle T pattern WITH interview.
Solo - See NBTA Rule book, link available on website.
Basic Strut - performed in a box square with each leg consisting of 8 counts. The music will be standard NBTA marching music.
BEGINNGER, INTERMEDIATE, ADVANCE LEVELS:
Modeling - Derby Day attire, Circle-T pattern WITH interview.
Solo - See NBTA Rule book, link available on website.
X-Strut - See NBTA Rule book
A Day at the Derby Model: Open to males and females, males and females will compete seperately. Contestants will model casual wear that reflects attending the Derby in a Circle-T modeling pattern with NO INTERVIEW. Hats/Fascinators are not required but encouraged as they are seen as a Derby Day Tradition and is a fun way to showcase your own unique style. Examples of Derby attire can be found on our website www.kentuckytwirlingconsortium.com .
Best Appearing: Open to females only, contestants perform a Circle-T modeling pattern with NO INTERVIEW. Contestants are to model in costume for all age divisions. NBTA Rules and Scoresheets will be followed.
Derby Hat Choice: We are thrilled to invite everyone—contestants, parents, and the general public—to participate in our exciting Derby Hat Competition! This lively event is a wonderful opportunity for you to showcase your creativity and style by designing your own unique derby hat. Each participant will have the chance to create their own derby hat and enter it into one of three categories: Most Classical, Most Eccentric, and/or Most Whimsical. Participants may enter as many hats as you want per category, however each hat can only be entered into one category.
Judging will occur throughout the day using a silent voting method. Competition patrons will cast their votes for the hats they believe best represent each category. The anticipation and excitement will build as the votes are quietly tallied, and winners are announced! Examples can be found on our website www.kentuckytwirlingconsortium.com.
Parade March: Contestants perform a basic parade march routine in a square formation, each leg being 8 steps in length for a total of 32 counts, with a left flank occurring on each 8th count. Lower body movements are to be marching steps in a left-right pattern in step with the music. Basic NBTA marching music will be used. Contestants will perform once. No gymnastics.
Twirl for the Roses High-Point Memorial Award:
In heartfelt remembrance of Ms. Heather Byrdwell, we have created the Twirl for the Roses High-Point Memorial Award. This award honors Heather’s remarkable spirit, her determination to overcome adversity, and her unwavering ability to inspire others to pursue their highest goals. The Twirl for the Roses High-Point Memorial Award is dedicated to preserving Heather’s legacy. It recognizes individuals who, like Heather, demonstrate courage, perseverance, and a passion for lifting others up. Through this award, we strive to encourage openness, resilience, and connection, and to remind everyone that seeking help is a sign of strength.
The Twirl for the Roses High-Point Memorial Award is given to the contestant with the highest points at the end of the Twirl for the Roses open competition. The recipient receives a 6’ Traveling Trophy, baton bouquet, sash, crown and a minimum of $200 cash award. Watch website for increase in cash award as donations come in. If you want to make a donation please include it with your entry.
This is a 6' traveling trophy that must be returned on or before the 2027 Twirl for the Roses competition, which is tentatively scheduled for April 24, 2027. It is the receipting’s responsibility to either ship or make arrangements to meet with the contest director to return the trophy (it can be broken down for easier shipping.)
POINT CACULATION:
1st place = 5 points
2nd place = 4 points
3rd place = 3 points
4th place = 2 points
5th place = 1 point
QUALIFYING HIGH POINT EVENTS ARE:
A Day at the Derby Model
Best Appearing (female only)
Basic March
Military March (male only)
Parade March
X-strut/Men’s X-strut
Solo/Men’s Solo
Visitors Solo/In-state Solo
Flag Baton
2-Baton
3-Baton
Show Twirl
Pom Pom
Color Guard Flag Solo
Rifle Solo
Sabre Solo
Half-time Danceline Solo
Note, you DO NOT have to enter all qualifying events. Of course, the more events you are entered in the more chances you have to earn points. With that said, you also don’t want to push yourself by entering too many events where you have to jump from lane to lane without a break in between each event. Enter wisely 😊
MISS MAJORETTE OF KENTUCKY
Kentucky Novice Skills Pageant: Open to Kentucky residents only. Contestants will compete in Costume Modeling w/interview (20%), Basic March (40%), and Solo (40%). Age groups 0-6, 7-9, 10-12, 13-15, 16+. Solo determines division status.
Kentucky Beginner & Intermediate Pageant: Open to Kentucky residents only. Contestants will compete in Costume Modeling w/interview (20%), X-Strut (40%), and Solo (40%). Age groups 0-6, 7-9, 10-12, 13-15, 16+. Solo determines division status.
Miss Majorette of Kentucky Pageant: Open to Kentucky residents only. Contestants will compete in Modeling w/interview (20%), X-Strut (40%), and Solo (40%). Little & Juvenile model in short gown/dress dress; Preteen model in a short or long gown/dress; and Junior & Teenage model in a long gown/dress. Age groups 0-6, 7-9, 10-12, 13-15, 16+. Solo determines division status.
Collegiate Miss Majorette of Kentucky Pageant: Open to contestants attending a Kentucky college/university. Contestants will compete in
Modeling w/interview: Contestants model in a long gown/dress using the Circle-T pattern. Time limit 1:00 (20% of overall score)
X-Strut: Time limit 1:30 – 2:00 (40% of overall score)
Collegiate Pageant Solo Rules (40% of overall score)
1. Overall time limit 2:20-2:30. Required 1 baton competition solo portion must precede freestyle portion. Competition solo minimum time limit is 1:10. Penalty .1 per second for not reaching the minimum solo baton time limit.
2. Freestyle portion may include multiple batons and novelty. No penalty is given if a contestant chooses to devote all to one baton performance.
3. When Twirling Multiple batons salute with one baton in the traditional salute position and the remaining baton(s) in the opposite hand. .5 penalty improper salute.
4. No props – 2.0 penalty for violation.
STATE CHAMPIONSHIP EVENTS
General Information: State events are open only to contestants who reside in the state of Kentucky or attend college in the state of Kentucky.
State Queen: Female onlys. Contestants model using the Circle-T pattern with NO interview. Little & Juvenile model in short gown/dress dress; Preteen model in a short or long gown/dress; and Junior & Teenage model in a long gown/dress. Age groups 0-6, 7-9, 10-12, 13-15, 16+.
Solo: Female and Male compete separately. Age groups 0-6, 7-9, 10-12, 13-15, 16+. Levels Novice, Beginner, Intermediate, and Advance.
Collegiate Solo Championships: The Collegiate solo will showcase the collegiate twirler’s performance during a university’s football halftime show demonstrating the athlete’s ability to entertain an entire stadium audience through twirling skills, unique travel steps/moves, school spirit, coordinating all with band music. This includes a variety of audience appealing twirls/moves that are eye-catching and effective on the field, including travel steps synchronized with the music, giving total field coverage (not a 50-yard line solo). The Judge’s adjudication will be from a spectator’s point of view. One baton and multiple batons may be used. No fire, props or novelty. Any piece of equipment or material that is not a baton that can be used or removed, such as glasses, hats, cape, hoop batons, flag batons, etc., will result in a 2.0 penalty. Standard NBTA safety rules will be in effect. Time limit is 2:00 maximum. Marching band music is required. Inclusion of a fight song is highly recommended. The use of marching band music may include an announcer overlay. Any other music results in a 2.0 penalty.
State Duet: Both contestants must reside in the state of Kentucky or attend college in the state of Kentucky. Female and Male compete together.
