The Sundancers Baton Twirlers began over 35 years ago in the Dr. Phillips YMCA in Orlando, Florida. In the beginner the group marched in local parades, competed in local contests and trained beginner twirlers. In 1986 the original director stepped down leaving the group to our current director, Lynette Starkey. Right out of high school, Lynette was not much older than many of the members. But it didn't stop her or the group!
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Over the next 35 years, the group grew in both membership and experience. Armed with passion, dedication, and talent the Sundancers twirlers began to excel and soon became one of Florida's most elite competition teams. Our competition teams won State and Regional honors every year and our individual twirlers began to climb the ranks on a national level.
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As the program grew the Sundancers soon added National titles to their resume. Our Show Corps has won Grand National Titles in both the National Baton Twirling Association and the United States Baton Twirling Associations. In August 2023, the Sundancers represented Team USA at the World Championships in Liverpool, England. They brought home a SILVER MEDAL!! The Corps has again qualified for the World Championships and will be travelling to Torino, Italy in August 2024.
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Individually the Sundancers have excelled as well. Many of our athletes have reached the top of the sport. The group has produced multiple Miss Majorette of Florida winners, State and Regional Champions. Several of our athletes have also won National titles in Strut, Solo, Artistic Twirl and Multiple baton. But perhaps our proudest accomplishment is having college twirlers represent their school throughout the country. The Sundancers have had twirlers at Purdue, Ole Miss, Florida, Florida State, UCF, San Diego State, Mizzou, and more!
2023
USTA National Senior Dance Twirl Champions
Meet the Talented Team Behind the Sundancer's Success
Director/Head Coach
Lynette Starkey
Lynette has been the director and head coach of the Sundancers since 1986. Over the years she has coached twirlers of all levels, from Recreation level to the Elite level and everywhere in between. Baton twirling has been her passion since she began competing at the age of 4! Lynette is a registered twirling judge for over 35 years and is a registered USTA professional coach. Each year, Lynette travels throughout the country judging various state and regional championships. She is honored to be the coach of the 2023 Silver Medal winning Team USA Showtwirl Corps at the World Championships in Liverpool, England.
Lynette loves spending her free time with her family and fur babies. She loves traveling, the beach and trivia!
Choreographer/Coach
Glenn Bittenbender
Our team choreography is led by Glenn, a former WBTF Twirling Champion. He has traveled the world to choreograph and coach some of the world's top athletes, creating beautiful routines for both individual and team events. His leadership and expertise contribute to the Sundancers' success at the National and World Championships. His eye for detailing and correct technique is second to none. Private lessons are available during Glenn's monthly trips.
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When Glenn is not coaching he loves to spend time at the beach and cheer on his beloved Baltimore Ravens.
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McKenzie Cooke
Kenzie is most recognized for her years as the Ole Miss Feature Twirler where she wowed the crowd with her one, two, three and FOUR baton skills. A highlight of her Ole Miss days was twirling 3 Fire Batons in front of a packed stadium and on National Television. As a life long Sundancers, Kenzie started her career in our Recreation Classes. She went on to win several State, Regional and National Titles. She has been Junior, Senior and College Miss Majorette of Florida as well as the Florida State Twirl-off and Strut-Off Champion. Kenzie has represented Team USA in France (2019) and England (2023). She has won International Medals in Two Baton, Three Baton, and Artistic Twirl. She was a finalist in the X Strut division as well. Kenzie also served as captain of our Silver Medal winning Show Corps at the World Championships.
Kenzie loves spending time with her friends and travelling to concerts and sporting events. Her favorites will forever be the Ole Miss Rebels and Taylor Swift!
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Coach/Social Media Specialist
Dance Instructor/Coach
Julia McFadden
Our Barre, Ballet and Dance technique classes will be taught by Julia McFadden, a Silver Medal winning Show Corps member at the World Championships and winner of multiple State and Regional Twirling Championships. Julia is the current NBTA/USTA Florida State Twirling Senior Champion as well as the AAU President's Cup Collegiate winner.
Julia has had years of intense dance training from some of the area's top instructors. She will be offering unique and valuable dance techniques to help you improve your twirling skills and enhance your performance.
