A choreographed program routine using three batons in a non-musically-interpretive exercise demonstrating juggling, intricacy and interrelationship of three batons within the modes of aerials, rolls, and contact material in combination with stationary complex bodywork that is executed to a standard and timed piece of music.
The Three Baton discipline is the simultaneous manipulation of three batons by one athlete.
The primary focus of the three-baton discipline is the representation of the 3-baton aerial mode complimented with rolls and contact material. The bases of the 3-baton aerial mode is represented by various sequences: pendulums in opposition, crescent tosses, box tosses, bowling pins, double/single and single/double tosses, triple tosses, and showers to name a few. Difficulty/demand is created through the interrelationship and intricacy of the three batons. Multi-patterns, planes, and oppositional direction of the three-baton aerial mode are woven into a “textured” routine where all three batons are of equal priority. The modes of rolls and contact material are embedded within the sequences to create depth and thus, create more difficulty/demand.
The skills presented in the three-baton discipline should be seamless in connection and demonstrate an effortless degree of continuity and flow with all three batons having equal priority. Skill and quality of execution through smooth and seamless transitions will contribute to the overall degree of excellence and successful mastery of the program in proportion to the inherent depth of skills presented. There should be an obvious rhythm of juggling execution that is evident with good quality timing. The quickness of releases and receptions, spatial awareness, and continuity and flow will be a trained technique that substantiates the 3-baton performance.
Control and consistency throughout the performance indicates the athlete’s authority in regulating the flow of the batons. There is a mastery and authority of the batons in terms of spatial awareness, which is inherent to three-baton training and execution. The lack of collecting the batons shows a high proficiency and adds value to the rhythm, continuity and flow.
Presentation qualities of the three-baton discipline exist in the detailing of control, correct posturing and body enhancements along with performance energy, confidence, and a total commitment by the athlete to the program’s effectiveness.