In This Issue

Jonathan Burkin Shows America Twirlers Have Talent!
Editor's Note: USTA National Grand Champion Jennifer Marcus introduces us to her good friend and America's favorite twirler, Jonathan Burkin!

The stage lights dim as the crowds’ cheers echo throughout CBS Studios. The judges sit center stage patiently waiting to critique his performance. The cheers quiet down, the music begins, and a spotlight shines on Jonathan Burkin, America’s favorite twirler. In a nation where baton twirling has battled stereotypes and clichés, Burkin has emerged as baton twirling’s spokesperson showing America how edgy, fierce and difficult twirling can be.

Burkin is an 18-year-old college freshman from Clyde, Ohio. Although he planned to attend Ohio State University in the fall, his plans changed when he got the call that he would be a contestant on NBC’s hit summer show, America’s Got Talent. After many auditions and interviews, the show felt Burkin was just the right guy for their show and believed he had the opportunity to go all the way. He enrolled at Tiffin Community College and went on to pursue a dream.

Burkin never thought he would one day have the opportunity to be on AGT and, at times, almost quit twirling completely.  Living in a small town where baton twirling isn’t popular made it difficult for Burkin to practice the sport he loves. After years of getting teased and mistreated as a boy, Burkin decided to ignore the doubters and pursue his dream. He refused to settle for mediocrity and now has become one of the best baton twirlers in the nation. He has been a National Champion in Twirling Unlimited, Drum Majorettes of America, and National Baton Twirling Association. He feels he is ready to try USTA and hopes one day to take home the coveted Senior Men’s Solo Championship.

We got the chance to speak with Jonathan Burkin as he prepares for his upcoming show at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Read HERE to find out what made him want to audition for the show, what twirling on live TV was really like and more!

Watch Jonathan on America's Got Talent HERE.

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Making History: USTA's First Solo Grand Champ
 
Gyl Johnson Hondorp made history in 1958, becoming USTA’s first-ever Solo Grand Champion at USTA’s inaugural NationalChampionships, held in Holland, MI during the annual Tulip Time Festival. In 2008 , Hondorp was one of 24 past National Champions recognized during USTA’s 50th Anniversary Celebration, held during the 2008 National Championships in Daytona Beach, FL. “It brought back wonderful memories,” said Hondorp. 

Hondorp was only four when she saw her cousin twirl in a parade in their hometown of Coloma, MI. “I thought she was absolutely stunning!” said Hondorp. She and her sister got batons for Christmas that year, and Hondorp began taking lessons from champion Joyce Thomas, a student of George Walbridge, then from Walbridge himself, and finally from champion Sonia Rogers, another of Walbridge’s students.

For 13 years, starting when she was just five, Hondorp twirled for Coloma High School. She began accumulating national titles at the famous Chicagoland Music Festival and other prestigious competitions. Hondorp was the feature twirler at Western Michigan University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech and Language Pathology. She was a public schools speech therapist for 29 years. She married in 1966 and had two sons, finally retiring from twirling after 33 years.

“Twirling permeated my whole life,” said Hondorp. “It was absolutely wonderful – the self-confidence and self-esteem building, the travels, the people.  Every day I’m so grateful for the opportunities I had through baton twirling.”

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Meet the Members – Katherine Slye
The Saco Jetts of Saco, Maine are making do without one of their long-time team members this year. 18-year-old Katherine Slye of New Gloucester, ME, is eight hours away in Elmira, NY. She received a scholarship to Elmira College, where she is studying Journalism and Spanish.

Academics have always been important to Slye, a member of National Honor Society who graduated sixth in her high school class. But twirling is important too.  Her mother was a high school twirler, and Slye started twirling ten years ago, taking classes at a local YMCA. She loves learning and perfecting new tricks. Slye earned third place in solo at the 2008 Maine State Championships and is a four-time national champion team member.

When she’s not twirling, Slye enjoys writing, Ultimate Frisbee and tap dancing. She is the daughter of Bradford and Pamela Slye.

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