About Us

Twirling Bears is a family-run business with the mission of educating the youth in the sport of baton twirling and related arts such as colorguard and poms. Twirling provides training in team work, self-discipline, travel opportunities, self-esteem building, accepting winning and defeat, and fun!

The director, Elaine Jones serves as head and baton coach and has been teaching twirling and poms for over 30 years. Jones competed in NBTA and USTA wining state titles and placing at USTA nationals, was on the Triton College Warriorettes Drill/Dance team, was captain of Proviso East High School Majorettes, a member of the Charloteers Dancers and her students compete in AAU, the Midwest Colorguard Circuit, NBTA, USTA and WTA.

Jones, who holds a B.A. in Psychology and a master's certificate in Employment Counseling, has judged baton for several organizations over the years, and has taught many state and regional champions and numerous individuals who have placed in the top rankings at USTA, TU, AAU, WTA and NBTA nationals. This includes 3 national parade corp titles won by students in USTA, and 17 national championship titles won by individual twirlers. Many students have gone on to twirl for their high schools, poms squads, colorguards and college twirling.

Jones' mother (deceased) served on the board, her sister served as secretary for many years, and her daughter helps out also.

The staff looks forward each year to creating the year's show theme, picking out music, props and outfits!