Carnegie Mellon University Majorettes
Batons
Baton Requirements:
Please remove all reflective tape. If you need any marking for the center, please use black tape.
Fitting your Baton:
Batons have to be fit to the dancer; one baton will not fit every dancer. Batons run in sizes by one or two inches. There are two ways to measure your baton, but they both yield relatively the same measurement:
The first way is to hold one end of the baton (or the zero end of a yardstick) to your neck and, with your right arm stretched out to the side, measure the approximate distance to your longest finger.
The second way is to place the baton (or the zero end of a yardstick) in your underarm and measure the approximate distance of your outstretched arm to the tip of your longest finger.
From this, you should get a good idea of the correct size of your baton. Sharp Baton advises that if you are a half-size, go to the next size up.
Why does it matter what size your baton is?
While the longer a baton is, the “better”, if your baton is too big, you will not be able to easily twirl it and it will hit you. A baton that is too small is equally awkward.
Batons can be purchased at local dance stores or online. In the Pittsburgh area there are dance stores that sell batons. Batons run for approximately $20-25.
The Majorettes will sell you a baton (a fundraiser) for $10-20 depending on wear.