Baton-twirling troupe competes in Paris

When Stephanie Vazquez was a little girl, she dreamed of growing up and traveling the world. She would see France, visit the Eiffel Tower and enjoy it all with her friends.

But now, Stephanie says, who needs to grow up?

Stephanie was one of 10 girls who traveled with the Spotlight Spinners, a cheerleading and baton-twirling team out of Newport Heights Elementary School that recently competed at an international competition in Paris.

“I didn’t think I would travel the world at 10 years old,” Stephanie said. “It was really special.”

A top team after winning state and regional competitions, the Spotlight Spinners continued to shine at the competition in Paris, taking first place in small dance team twirl, second in pompom team and second in large dance twirl team.

But as their team advisor Kristin Higman stresses, it isn’t about the accolades, it’s about the experience.

“I love that we get to enter competitions,” Stephanie said. “When I get in front of the judges, I want to smile and do my routine.”

Higman’s team practiced four days a week prior to the competition and regularly practices twice a week — two hours on Wednesdays and one hour on Fridays. But the real excitement is in the camaraderie and spirit that comes with being part of a team.

“I think it is so much fun and great to bring everyone together,” said Matilda Higman, Kristin’s daughter. “I like being with my friends.”

The team was made up of eight girls from Newport Heights and two girls from Glendale, ranging in age from 6 to 11. The program started five years ago as an after-school enrichment program teaching young girls dancing, gymnastics, ballet moves and baton-twirling skills. Its popularity has exploded with about 20 girls enrolled in the program.

“You put the hard work into it, and [doing well] just comes — it’s instilled in you,” said Higman. “And then the kindergartners watch the older girls, and they want to be like them. They are so lucky to have someone to watch and idolize.”

The success by some of the girls has led some kindergartners to express interest in getting on the team. They can only hope for the same opportunity to travel the world that this year’s team got.

“It was the funnest thing ever,” Matilda said.

DANIEL TEDFORD may be reached at (714) 966-4632 or at [email protected].