Sitting cross-legged in a chair, resembling a giddy child on Christmas morning, Tiffany Reicosky describes her life as a baton twirler, actress and college student.-á-á-á-á
The 20-year-old junior has been twirling baton since age two and has competed since age four. Her mother gives baton lessons and her sister is also a twirler, so it has become a family affair.-á-á-á-á
Dedication at an early age has paid off for Reicosky. She earned the title of World Champion in the 19-year-old strut category last April when she competed in Marseille, France. Strut is a category that consists of a heavy emphasis on dance and no release of the baton throughout the routine.-á-á-á-á
A native of Michigan, Reicosky originally narrowed her college search down to the University of Arizona and Ball State, and decided on the former, where she twirled for a year.-áAfter her freshman year she decided to transfer to Ball State, and she has been the feature twirler for the marching band since then.
"I was lucky.-áAll of my credits transferred here so I could stay on track," Reicosky said.-á"The University of Arizona is a great school, but it just didn't fit my needs."-á-á-á-á
During the school year she likes to practice baton at least two hours a day, although it's difficult to find an open gym in which to practice. During the summer she practices up to eight hours a day, five days a week. Her practices include lifting weights, cardio training and practicing different routines.
"I've learned how to handle my body," Reicosky said. "If I don't cross train, I end up having to ice my entire body."
Reicosky's favorite part of twirling is the performing aspect.-áShe says it has helped her because, "it has taught me how to pick a goal and be determined to make it. It's a tough discipline while I'm at school, but I get a huge rush from succeeding."-á-á-á-á
As a certified baton twirler, Reicosky teaches a competition twirling team in her hometown, and also teaches private lessons in the summer.
When people ask her how she could have fun twirling after practicing so intensely, Reicosky tells them that it's a very involved activity.
"It encompasses more than most people would think," she said. "A lot of people give me a hard time when I drop the baton, but when I'm releasing it over 200 times during a performance, there's a great probability that I will drop it. A basketball player doesn't make every shot he takes, and a football player doesn't make every pass he attempts. You just have to put it all in perspective."-á-á-á-á-á
With a double major in musical theater and dance, Reicosky has very little free time. She is currently rehearsing four hours a day, six days a week for the upcoming production of "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" at University Theater, in addition to practicing daily with the marching band. To top it all off, her class schedule includes 18 credit hours.
Reicosky discovered her passion for acting in eighth grade when she was chosen to attend an acting camp.-á
"I was always the kid that ran around the house singing," she said. "My mom would have to tell me to shut up.
"I want to be on Broadway. There are just so many people out there that have the same dream that you just pray to God that you're the person that will make it." -á-á-á
When asked by her peers what she wants to do after college, Reicosky will joke that she's getting a degree to be a "professional waitress" because she realizes the road ahead will be a long one to find the success she desires. But if she remains dedicated, enthusiastic and spirited, she said she will achieve her dreams.
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