From a young age, Traxx Nelson-Kavajecz was captivated by the art of baton twirling, a passion that began in his mother’s studio in Superior. Now, he is preparing to showcase his talent at the International Baton Twirling Federation World Championships in Paris, scheduled to start on August 5.
Nelson-Kavajecz, at 21, stands out as the only male member of the 25-person U.S. team, competing against participants from 40 countries. His routine will be performed to the Rolling Stones’ “Paint it, Black.”
Despite his current success, there was a time during high school when Nelson-Kavajecz considered stepping away from competition due to societal stigmas associated with men in the predominantly female sport. “I fell in love with baton twirling at a very young age,” he shared with WPR’s “Wisconsin Today.”
Overcoming Stigma and Embracing Passion
Nelson-Kavajecz recounted his journey, noting, “There is a certain stigma around being a male in a predominantly female sport such as baton twirling.” However, after high school, his passion for the sport reignited, leading him to continue competing. Teaching baton twirling at his mother’s studio, Sterling Silver Studio, also played a crucial role in reaffirming his love for the art.
He observed that the stigma is more pronounced in the United States, whereas male baton twirlers are more common in other countries. “It’s still predominantly female around the world, but there are a lot more male baton twirlers from other countries, as opposed to the United States,” he explained.
Training for the World Stage
Preparing for the championships is a rigorous process. Nelson-Kavajecz trains intensively, focusing on both physical skills and mental preparedness. His training also includes teaching, which he finds mutually beneficial. “When I teach, I really do learn just as much from the kids,” he stated.
Coordination plays a crucial role in baton twirling, as he explained, “In baton twirling, you have to help your body work all together simultaneously.” His background in sports like baseball and hockey has provided a surprising amount of crossover skills, aiding his twirling practice.
The Art of Music and Movement
Setting routines to music adds an expressive layer to baton twirling. Nelson-Kavajecz, also a musician, emphasized the importance of music in his routines. His sister, Rokkyn, who choreographed his routine for the Paris championship, chose “Paint it, Black” for its unique fit with their style and interests.
Beyond baton twirling, the siblings are part of a band called Born Too Late, performing across the Upper Midwest. Their musical background enhances their approach to creating compelling and artistic routines.
