Baton lessons capture the attention of local girls

THE END: Young baton twirlers in Lane’s class end their performance in style. The girls were practicing for a performance they were doing in Redding.

Since 1979, Berta Lane has been coaching young girls in the art of baton twirling. She started giving baton lessons while living in Nevada, then about five years ago she started teaching baton through Anderson Parks and Recreation.

The girls are broken up into two groups: beginner and intermediate, with ages ranging from 5 - 12. Both groups participate in group and individual competition.

Recently the girls competed in Sacramento. The beginner group placed fourth, while the intermediate class placed second. They also competed locally at a competition held at Shasta College, both classes placed second, with many of the girls placing first individually.

Lane's baton classes also participate in the Red Bluff, Cottonwood, and Redding parades, along with the jamboree in Shasta Lake City.

According to Lane, she teaches the girls baton to "promote the sport because there are lots of opportunities." Her granddaughter, Catreena Hale, helps her teach the girls baton techniques. Lane said Hale is currently trying for a scholarship for college through her baton twirling, and is on a baton team in Sacramento, when she competes all over the world.

Both classes have a two-hour instruction on Tuesday, then a private half hour lesson with Hale. Then about once a month there is a four to six hour practice on a Saturday to help prepare the girls for competition.

For more information about the baton class contact the Anderson Park and Recreation Department at 378-6656 or stop by Meadow Lane School at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday and talk to Berta Lane.