Buffalo Gals Info The Martin School of Dance

2078 Pasqua Street (corner of 13th and Pasqua) Regina SK Phone 306.352.3601 Email the School

Sundown Optimist Buffalo Gals

The Buffalo Gals were formed in 1967 as part of Canada's Centennial Celebration, and named after Regina's Buffalo Days Exhibition.

From the early beginnings of the Twirling Teens to the excitement of today's World Team, the original concept of the Buffalo Gals remains the same: participation in Buffalo Gals provides an opportunity for baton twirling students to practice and perfect their sport in an atmosphere of camaraderie with their baton twirling buddies.

Lasting friendships are formed by students and parents alike and this spirit of co-operation among their competitive peers enables the Buffalo Gals to set their personal goals high and work together in a supportive atmosphere to realize their dreams.

The Buffalo Gals parents work diligently as well and, together with the Sundown Optimist Club, have provided the Gals the opportunity to travel to many National and World Championships. As well, two special performances at Optimist International Conventions remain a highlight to this day.

2008-09 Executive

President	Joanne Moser
Past President	Janice Larkin
Vice-President	Bonnie Runge
Secretary	Nancy Lightheart
Treasurer	Lorrie Wright
Social	Jessica Botkin/Andrea Taylorson
Publicity	Lucie Morin/Sue Mepham
Fundraising	Nicole Rich and Tracey Lindsay

Baton Twirling is Catching!!

2004 marked the 25th year of the Canadian Baton Twirling Federation - a milestone of major significance to baton twirling enthusiasts in Canada and abroad. Baton Twirling has changed significantly since the Seventies and Eighties. Gone are the boots and shakos! In their place are graceful leg lines and sparkling rhinestones as the transition from a Parade activity to a competitive sport took place. Saskatchewan and the Sundown Optimist Buffalo Gals have been at the hub of the development of Baton Twirling as a sport. From the first World Championship to the present day, there has been a Buffalo Gal taking part each year in the International Championship. Let's take a look:

Seattle	1980	Brenda Hasenfratz, Pam Wilson
Nice	1981	Maureen Johnson, WBTF Judge
Tokyo	1982	Leanne Scott, SOBG Team
Milan	1983	Elan Paluck
Calgary	1984	Elan Paluck
Frankfurt	1985	Stacy Singer, Elan Paluck
Torino	1986	Stacy Singer
Paris	1987	Stacy Singer, Sheryl Holliday, SOBG Team
Nagoya	1988	Stacy Singer, SOBG Team
Lausanne	1989	Stacy Singer, SOBG Team
San Antonio	1990	Stacy Singer, Sheryl Holliday, SOBG Team
Padova	1991	Stacy Singer, Sheryl Holliday, SOBG Team
Paris	1992	Stacy Singer, Sheryl Holliday
DenBosch	1993	Stacy Singer, Sheryl Holliday, Leah Holliday, SOBG Team
Newmarket	1994	Sheryl Holliday, Leah Holliday, SOBG Team
Geneva	1995	Sheryl Holliday, Leah Holliday, SOBG Team
Genoa	1996	Kris Nichols, Jennifer Tangjerd, Leah Holliday, Kendra Masters
Hawaii	1997	Leah Holliday, Jennifer Tangjerd, Karen Weese
Lyon	1998	Leah Holliday, Jennifer Tangjerd, Karen Weese, Kris Nichols, SOBG Team
Orlando	1999	Leah Holliday, Jennifer Tangjerd, SOBG Team
DenBosch	2000	Leah Holliday, Meghan Halvorsen
Paris	2001	Marissa Leclair, Becky Scobie, Kris Nichols, SOBG Team
Saskatoon	2002	Marissa Leclair, Whitney Nichols, Victoria Dauncey, SOBG Team
Barcelona	2003	Marissa Leclair, Melanda Shay, Erin Ryan, Kris Nichols, Becky Scobie, SOBG Team
Osaka	2004	Melanda Shay, Erin Ryan

These were memorable, captivating performances producing many medals as well. During this 25 year span, Saskatchewan declared Baton Twirling a sport in part due to Stacy's Gold Medal win at the age of 8. Our Saskatchewan Team captured the Gold Medal in 1991 and Jennifer Tangjerd and Leah Holliday were awarded the Senior Pair Gold Medal in 1999. The SOBG Team was inducted into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame in 1996. Stacy followed in 1998 as an Athlete and Maureen received the honour in 2000 as a Builder. Maureen served on the executive as the Western Vice-President and followed up through the years as the Saskatchewan Technical Representative. Maureen was also instrumental in developing the Pre-Competitive Program as we know it today, as well as influencing the direction of the Freestyle events through choreography and costuming.

What a legacy for Baton Twirlers of the Future!


	Home \| Faculty \| Classes \| Studio Information \| Buffalo Gals Photo Galleries \| Links \| Class Inquiries \| Contact Us \| Login \| Legal/Privacy \| Login Copyright © 2010, Martin School of Dance & Baton Twirling. All rights reserved.