Russellville twirler makes Top 10 at nationals
Five-year-old Elizabeth Davis has been twirling for 11 months. This week, she showed how much she has learned with a trip to – and solid finish at – a national competition.
After winning first place in showtwirl in March at competition in Thompson, Elizabeth began to prepare for the America’s Youth on Parade national competition at Notre Dame in Boston. Mother Heather Davis, who is also Elizabeth’s teacher at Studio X-Treme, said Elizabeth is the first student from Russellville to go to nationals.
“Having her involved in twirl started as just a way to help her build her confidence and stage presence, and then she ended up loving it,” said Heather, owner of Studio X-Treme. “She’s built amazing friendships and truly loves the sport of baton.”
That love led to a Top 10 finish Tuesday in Boston, after Elizabeth performed a solo routine to “Queen of the Waves,” from “A Mermaid’s Tale.”
“I had hoped for Top 25, so I am beyond excited for her. For her first nationals performance, I couldn’t be more excited,” Heather said. “As her mom, it is super stressful and nerve-wracking – she doesn’t get nervous, but I get nervous enough for both of us. I am super-critical, being her teacher and mom, and have high expectations, and I often have to remind myself she’s only 5, a brand-new twirler, and is doing great.”
Elizabeth is among 4,000 girls competing for national titles this week in Boston. In addition to showtwirl, she will model in a formal evening gown, to display poise, gracefulness and confidence and will compete for a “best appearing” title.
Elizabeth is also a member of Laura’s Studio of Performing Arts, where she is a second-year competitive dancer, and competes year-round, Heather said.
“I feel like since she is homeschooled, this is a great outlet to meet new people and develop social skills,” Heather said. “Baton will provide her with opportunities of a lifetime. She’s twirled many cool places and will have neat opportunities over the years, with hopes of twirling in college as a feature twirler.”
Elizabeth said she likes twirling because she makes new friends, gets to dress in pretty outfits and performs to fun songs, Heather said. In competition she likes that she gets “to go with the older twirlers and gets to wear makeup,” Heather said. “She said she wants to be a majorette when she grows up.”
Outside of twirling, Elizabeth enjoys swimming, dancing, playing soccer and spending time with Nana and Grandad.
