After a year of preparation, the Lake Nona-based team of 25 talented athletes represented theUSA at the International Baton Twirling Federation (IBTF) World Championship in Torino, Italy.Competing on August 2-3, Twirl Florida brought home an impressive set of medals, makingLake Nona and their country proud.
The journey to Italy began in 2024 when Twirl Florida competed at the United States TwirlingAssociation (USTA) Nationals in Canton, Ohio, and secured their place on Team USA. At the2025 USTA Nationals held at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach, Twirl Florida won first place in the Primary/Juvenile Entertainment Corps division as well as the prestigious Esprit de Corps Cup, awarded to the highest scoring corps in the competition. They also earned second place in the Senior Entertainment Corps, and two of their corps performed in an exhibition.
Many team members competed individually, with several earning national champion titles and top-eight placements. In baton, a corps is a large group routine involving intricate choreography, synchronized movement, and high-level teamwork.
Twirl Florida tackled four different corps divisions at Worlds and proudly returned to the United States with two silver medals, one bronze, and a fifth-place finish:
Senior ShowTwirl with Accessories Corps: Silver Medal
Junior Parade Accessories Corps: Silver Medal
Youth Exhibition Majorette Corps: Bronze Medal
Youth ShowTwirl Accessories Corps: Fifth Place
These victories are even more meaningful considering the level of competition at Worlds. Teams from across the globe brought their best routines. Adding to the team’s accomplishments, captain Julia McFadden competed on August 5 in Women’s A Adult Nations Cup Two Baton.
Her beautiful performance placed her 13th. This year’s accomplishments follow the success of2023, when The Sundancers earned a silver medal in ShowTwirl with Accessories Corps, and three team members brought home five medals across their individual divisions.
The athletes and their families took the opportunity to explore Italy before heading back to Florida for band camp and school. The memories made in Italy will last a lifetime. As the excitement from Worlds settles, attention already turns toward the future. Twirl Florida will begin forming the next team to qualify for Team USA. The road ahead will be filled with practices, performances and the same determination that brought them success this year.
Behind every great team are dedicated coaches. Coaches Lynette Starkey (The Sundancers),Cheri Howard (Epic Twirl) and Tessah Ceballos (Rhapsody), along with assistant instructors McKenzie Cooke (former Sundancers captain and four-time IBTF medalist), Kristin O’Donnell (former University of Florida Gatorette), and Jordon Steele (former DMA champion), lead the team.
Special thanks to the parents of Team USA, the supporters whose donations ensured athletes and their props made it to Italy, and everyone who tuned in to the live feed to cheer from home. Lynette Starkey, director of the Sundancers, has produced college majorettes, feature twirlers, and national and world champions since she was 15 years old. She is a respected judge and leads a skilled staff who teach fun classes and choreograph award-winning routines.
The Sundancers, located on Kirby Smith Road in Lake Nona with additional classes in Hunter’s Creek, plan to expand and welcome suggestions from the community on future class locations. The Sundancers compete and perform throughout Florida and the nation, with opportunities to travel internationally. Students can join our competition group or simply learn baton for fun.
Performing in parades, competitions and events helps students develop skills, confidence and lasting friendships.
Follow The Sundancers and Twirl Florida for classes, competitions and performances.
Facebook: Sundancers Baton and Dance | Instagram: @SundancersTwirlers
Facebook: Twirl Florida | Instagram: @TwirlFlorida
Interested in learning baton, gymnastics, dance and pom? Visit www.sundancerstwirlers.com or
email sdtwirlers@gmail.com.
