Baton twirling is a sport involving the manipulation of a metal rod and the human body to a coordinated routine and is similar to rhythmic gymnastics or color guard (flag spinning). Twirling combines dance, agility, coordination, Flexibility gymnastics, and many more while manipulating a single baton or multiple batons. It is primarily performed with the accompaniment of music. Fundamental characteristics of the sport include the handling of the baton to create visual images, pictures, and patterns executed with dexterity both close in and around the body and the proper release of the baton into the air. The discipline requires the simultaneous blending of these fundamental characteristics, utilizing time and space to display both technical merit and artistic expression. There are multiple types baton twirlers. A featured twirler at a college or high school can be called a feature twirler. Majorettes twirl in a group for a high school or college. Another type of twirler is part of a group that does local parades and performances. Finally, competitive twirlers can compete as a part of a group or as a soloist. Twirlers can start at the early age of 2 to high school aged.