At 10-years-old, Veronixa Orellana Castro attempted a figure skating trick, the triple axel. Upon landing, she twisted her knee and simultaneously ended her figure skating career. However, this led her to discover a new passion: baton twirling.
Freshman Veronixa Orellana Castro is Wayne State College’s newest feature twirler. This position did not come easy, she had to work hard for it. When Orellana Castro recovered from her injury, she took dance lessons for a year, later discovering the art of baton twirling. She succeeded in teaching herself the basics, unfortunately when she tried to sign up for classes at a studio, she was rejected.
“My parents saw that I really like the art, so they wanted to put me in the local studio, but they said I was too old,” Orellana Castro said. “Almost everyone my age was already advanced.”Luckily, Coach Lena Whitfield noticed Orellana Castro’s situation and offered to teach her how to twirl.
“They were asking to sign her up, but the director of the company denied her because she was considered too old to start,” Whitfield said. “After they finished their conversation, I approached Veronixa and her mom and told them that I could coach her. I believe that this art has no age limits. Whether you want to start at 13 or even in your 20s, you should be able to! This art shouldn’t be denied to anyone.” Orellana Castro began taking lessons and quickly caught on to new tricks and techniques.
“Veronixa has been one of the most impressive students I’ve ever had,” Whitfield said. “She started twirling the baton within just three days. By the third day, she was already doing thumb tosses, which blew my mind.”
Despite her fast progress, Orellana Castro was unable to twirl for her high school, only students in the studio were allowed to perform. Instead, Orellana Castro focused on being in band and color guard.
As she decided what college she wanted to attend, she saw a band exhibition from Wayne State College and noticed that they did not have a feature twirler. Her decision was sealed when she visited WSC and learned of the opportunities it provides.
“I saw the college and the opportunities it gives, and I loved it,” Veronixa said. “Wayne is a small town with big school opportunities, and I want to contribute to that, so I am the feature twirler now.”
Orellana Castro is hoping that as the years go on, more students will join her in twirling so that she can do partner tricks and have someone to have fun practicing and performing with. She also teaches younger kids and shares the art of baton twirling with them.
“She has been volunteering her time to teach kids who can’t afford studio lessons or coaches,” Whitfield said. “She told me she wants to share this amazing art with others and doesn’t want financial barriers to prevent passionate kids from learning.”
