As a prelude to the first World Competition, the WBTF conducted the first World Demonstration of Baton Twirling on March 31, 1979, in the beautiful setting of Piazza San Marco in Venice, Italy.

When was baton twirling most popular?

Twirling began with men in the military and became popular in the 1940s during World War II. Drum majors would spin maces — long staffs with a ball at the top. Over time, however, the mace evolved into a shorter, lighter baton with rubber instead of metal ends.

When did baton start?

The baton, a hollow cylinder of wood or plastic, was introduced in 1893.