The Bellefonte High School majorettes’ hard work paid off on when they won not one, but two state championships at the NBTA PA State Championships held at IUP on April 21. They also won the 2024 Twirl Mania International Competition in Orlando on the weekend of May 11-12.
Science teacher and Head Coach Mrs. Arimani Davy has been coaching majorettes for 12 years at Bellefonte Area School District.
“The girls have been working on a routine for this competition since November. They practice every Sunday and also just recently competed in the NBTA PA State Championships at IUP to get some feedback on their routines. They won both the 2024 Open Division AND State Halftime Show Team Majorette Senior events at this competition,” Head coach Armani Davy said.“I’ve been coaching since 2012. I started coaching the Junior High Majorettes for 2 years and then transitioned to coaching the High School Majorettes (which is where I am still!),” Coach Davy said.
There are a total of eight girls competing on the majorettes team at Bellefonte High School. The lone senior Nadia Balestino has made many memories twirling over the last seven years, but her favorite is spending time with her team.
“My favorite memories with the team include cheering one another on and creating a positive environment in which we love to twirl together. In addition to this, I’ll forever cherish our chant of encouragement before performances,” Nadia said.
Twirling has made a significant impact on Nadia’s life
“Twirling for Bellefonte has impacted my life more than words could say. I am incredibly grateful for all the loving, exciting, and wild memories I have made, and will carry the joy of the Band in my heart forevermore,” Nadia said.
Twirling is truly a year-round sport with no break. In a typical year, they do many events throughout the community.
“We perform at every football game, various community events, and sometimes school pep rallies! We also have competed in the Tournament Indoor Association in the past, PA State Team Championships, and this year, Twirl Mania International Championships in Orlando,” Coach Davy said.
Many people believe that majorettes only perform halftime at football games and at parades but that is far from true.
“We perform at every football game, various community events, and sometimes school pep rallies! We also have competed in the Tournament Indoor Association in the past, PA State Team Championships, and this year, Twirl Mania International Championships in Orlando,” Coach Davy said.
