PROGRAMS /ACTIVITIES
Kootenay Baton Konnection
Serving the Columbia Valley of British Columbia since 1994
A proud member of the Canadian Baton Twirling Federation and the Baton Twirling Association of BC
Quick Links for this page
Program Information / Payment Information / General Information / Coaching Staff / Contact Infomation
KBK offers quality coaching and athletic growth through the sport of BatonTwirling. Children will develop:
- Motor skills
- Physical fitness
- Dance skills
- Coordination
- Learning skills
- Performance skills
Children will develop life skills to aid them in other aspects of their lives such as:
- Confidence, self-esteem
- Ability to interact with others
- Team building
- How to take direction
Should a child be involved in the KBK Competitive Program, she/he will also learn to deal with winning and losing graciously in a competitive environment.
KBK offers programs to all children ages 4 and up
RECREATIONAL
Children participating in these classes will learn basic baton twirling, movement & dance skills which they will gradually learn to combine into simple series & routines. Classes begin with safe stretching warm-ups which focus on flexibility & proper posture development. Participants will learn the CBTF Skills Development Program as well as easy-to-learn team routines. The emphasis will, of course, be FUN in a safe, happy environment!
PRE-COMPETITIVE
CBTF has developed a very successful Pre-Events Program which introduces children to a competitive setting with the focus on "doing their own personal best" as opposed to winning awards. This is a less stressful, easy-to-learn program which teaches students standardized shorter versions of the major competitive events. Participants will continue to learn higher level tricks and will increase their musical and physical awareness & development. Participation at one or more competitions in Alberta is encouraged but optional at this level.
COMPETITIVE
COMPETITIVE
After training in the Pre-Competitive Program, students may advance to the competitive individual, duet and group routines. This program requires more intense training, more hours in the gym and more dedication however the rewards are countless as athletes focus on the achievement of their own particular goals and dreams in the sport of Baton Twirling. Choreographers and guest coaches are made available throughout the year to assist in the development of these higher level athletes who participate in 3-4 open competitions plus BC Provincial Championships and the Canadian Championships each year.
Classes run from Mid September until the end of May in the following locations:
Tuesdays & Thursdays (after school):
Eileen Madson Primary School
Wednesdays (after school):
Edgewater Elementary School
There are approximately 30 classes per year. No classes are held during the Christmas and Spring Breaks and any statutory holidays.
CLASSES INCLUDE BATON, DANCE & CONDITIONING IN ONE AFFORDABLE PRICE
Should a scheduled class have to be cancelled for any reason, the skills scheduled to be taught at that class will be interspersed through the rest of the classes.
There are 3 Payment Sessions per year – September, January & April.
Special Family Rate - 15% discount off lesson fees for 2 or more children.
Class Fees
Recreational
“Future Champs” - 1 hour / week
Rate: $80 per Session ($240 / year)
Pre-Competitive
“Rising Stars” all ages - 1 ½ hour / week
Rate: $100 per Session ($300 / year)
Competitive
“Super Stars” – ½ hr, ¾ hr & hour rates
available to competitive level athletes.
WEARING APPAREL
Body suits, shorts, leggings,
sports pants, short-sleeved shirts or tank tops
NO JEANS, DRESSES, SKIRTS, OR “BAGGY” TOPS
HAIR MUST BE TIED BACK
No jewelry, watches permitted
FOOTWEAR
Recreational & Pre-Competitive
Plain, WHITE canvas Running Shoes (No aerobic or track
runners, ballet slippers, street
shoes or bare feet)
Competitive
Beige Jazz Oxfords – orders will be taken in the fall for the
competition season.
BATONS
These are purchased through KBK. Children are measured and
a baton is either ordered for them
through a USA company or a 2ndhand baton may be available for sale.
New Baton – approx. $25
2nd Hand Baton – approx $10 - $15
NOTICES
All notices, etc. will be passed on to the parent via notes, emails or phone calls.
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
We ask that parents not be present during classes; however, parents are encouraged to stop in five minutes before the end of class to watch. Periodically a “Bring your Parents & Friends” Day is held giving the opportunity to observe and participate.
An entertaining YEAR END SHOW is featured each spring.
PRACTICE REQUIREMENTS
Students are required to practice their baton and dance skills on a regular, weekly basis dependent upon their athletic status (Recreational, Pre Competitive or Competitive). The more involved an athlete, the higher the practice requirements. See Karen for a suggested practice schedule.
CANADIAN BATON TWIRLING FEDERATION (CBTF)
All KBK athletes must purchase a CBTF Annual Membership in order to take part in the KBK Program. Forms and information are available during the Registration Period.
KOOTENAY BATON KONNECTION PARENTS CLUB
The KBK Parents Club assists in the administration and development of the Club. Meetings are held once a month and all parents are encouraged to attend.
Director and Head Coach:
KAREN GRATTON
Over 35 years as a Baton Coach
CBTF Certified Level 3 Coach
NCCP Level 2 Coach
CBTF Modules 1-5 Certified Judge
Competition Director, Badge Adjudicator, Coaches and Judges Course Conductor
CBTF Technical Chairperson (6th term)
Assistant Coaches:
ASHLEY O’NEIL
MARISSA JOBS
Level 1 CBTF Coaches-in-Training
Contact Information
Kootenay Baton Konnection
c/o Box 631
Windermere, BC, Canada
VOB 2L0
To Register
Home: 250-342-0002
Cell: 250-342-5877
Email: karengratton@telus.net