Studio X-Treme is celebrating its second year in Franklin County. The studio has been offering twirl lessons for more than 10 years but only two in Franklin County now.

“The first year was a leap of faith, not knowing what would happen because twirl was becoming a lost art. To my surprise we had a very successful first year and have more than doubled in size since our first registration,” owner Heather Davis said.

Majorette and baton twirling is a passion for Davis, who twirled at Russellville High School and served as majorette captain. Davis continued her dreams to twirl in the SEC as a majorette at Mississippi State University.

She is a native of Russellville, and she said her passion is to keep baton twirling alive and strong, while using her talent to help others learn the art of the sport.

“Russellville had always had a long-time tradition of majorettes, and that began to fade until this year, when you will see eight majorettes under the Friday night lights,” Davis said. “These girls are all excellent twirlers and are excited to be a part of one of the best bands around.”

Also leading the Studio X-Treme team is Laura Foster, an accredited dance instructor. She has been teaching dance for 29 years and is skilled in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop and tumble.

“Dance is a way for students to be involved in something exciting,” Foster said. “The friendships and confidence that come from dance is the greatest reward I see.”

Davis said she brought Foster in initially to help the twirlers learn fundamentals of dance to incorporate into their baton routines.

“Heather is the twirl instructor, but she has used so many examples of world-class twirlers who started out as dancers, which in turn helped them chase their twirl dreams. Most college twirlers have had some kind of dance training simply because it helps them with grace, poise, coordination and just overall body carriage,” Foster said.

Studio X-Treme is located on St. Claire behind Foodland and offers baton twirling to children ages 3 and older at all ability levels. The business is open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

To sign up for twirl or dance, stop by the studio or call 256-460-0071.