Twirl Magazine

I am starting a new baton group in my area but have only 1 student. The class was advertised by a flyer that went out to the elementary schools. I offer a free drop in and see if you like it lesson. We have had 2 lessons now and I hope to gain more students. I offer recreational and competitive twirling. Any suggestions? How long did it take you to get at least 10 students?

Hi Blondie,

I hope things are better. I didn't look at the date of your post before I started typing, but I'll post anyway...

Are you giving the class through a parks and rec program? In my area, that's the only way they would distribute information through the school. If you are using a P&R, you have other public relations avenues to use. Start by asking them to create a press release. This can be sent to a town newspaper (we have one major metro and then all of the towns have an insert in the metro once a week focused on just their town). Also, use the city website. You're classes (especially if new to the area) should be featured on the home page of the city or the parks and rec home page.

If you are an independent - take your flyer to the daycares in town. You may have to back up a bit from formal weekly classes and offer short 6 week classes at a daycare (for example). Over the summer, the one my kids went to loved having me come in to teach a class weekly. They can program it into the summer and you can offer it a-la-carte at $5 a head. They'll actually help promote it. Send out a press release, and see if you have local reporters that are sensitive to kid, family, female business owner stories. Target them with the press release and email pitching you and/or baton twirling as a story.

I know this doesn't help you immediately with the class you have going. You can take your one student and use this opportunity to develop a competitive twirler.

Good Luck.