Marrellian Majorettes twirl their way to success in Edinburgh
Six members of a Wick-based baton twirling dance troupe came home with an amazing number of wins from a national competition in Edinburgh recently.
It was the first competitive event held by TwirlSport Scotland Majorettes and those attending were also able to take part in a seminar complete with workshops.
Marrellian Majorettes coach Carrie MacKay said: "This is the first competition we have travelled to in many years so it was great to get back into the competitive scene. The girls were successful and received great results.
"We hope this is the first of many more competitions to come. The girls thoroughly enjoyed this experience so are keen to compete down south again.
"Apart from the two oldest ones, they had never been away to a competition before. There was a workshop before the competition so they were able to mix with other girls too."
The junior majorettes taking part were Ava-May Dear-Newlands (6), Elidh Taylor (7), and Amelija Bradauskaite (11), with Susie Lyall and Stephanie Leith as seniors, and coach Carrie also took part in the team events.
Both the military drill and pom-pom teams were placed first, along with the senior duet. The group picked up several wins in the individual events. as well.
Elidh, Susie and Amelija all secured two firsts and a second, while Stephanie had a first and two seconds and Ava-May, the youngest of the local competitors, won two seconds and two fifths. Elidh also received two 'Boom No Drop' certificates for no drop solos, and Amelija was awarded one.
Marrellian Majorettes is a local run dance school which regularly takes part in local events – the baton twirlers first took part in the Wick Gala in 1982 so this year's outing will be a 40th celebration.
Coaches are affiliated to UKAPTD and the dancers do exams twice a year with this association. Dancers range from three-years-old to adult and train weekly in Wick.
Last Friday night the troupe had a very successful friends and family display at the Rosebank Playing Fields. For some members it was the first time they had performed to a live audience.
