By Tom Schardin, Staff Writer

Kaila Laumann flings the baton high into the air, does a couple of quick spins, and then catches it effortlessly – as if she’s been doing it for decades.

It comes that easy for the 10 year old from Savage, which is why for the third straight year, she was crowned Miss Majorette for her age group in the state competition.“I was happy to win again,” said Laumann. “I was very proud. It’s something I love to do.”

Laumann won the advanced-level division for ages 7 through 9 (she still qualifies for that division) at the Minnesota State Miss Majorette Baton Twirling competition on April 19 in Eagan. Last year, she won the intermediate level for that age group, while in 2006 she won at the novice level (ages 6 and younger).

Laumann earned a spot in the 57th Annual National Majorette Contest on July 17 at the University of Kaila LaumannNotre Dame in South Bend, Ind. Miss Majorette of America was founded in 1945. Contestants are judged on three separate areas: twirling, strutting and modeling.

Baton twirling in the Miss Majorette competition is a little different than a drum major leading a marching band or in a parade. It’s more of a pageant-like competition and has often been likened to rhythmic gymnastics, which includes manipulation of ribbons and lightweight objects.Laumann said she likes all aspects of baton twirling, including the skill it requires, the performance elements of a routine and the competition.

She didn’t compete at nationals the last two years, despite being eligible.

“I can’t wait to go to Indiana,” said Laumann. “I’ve never been there. It will be exciting to compete against so many other girls from all over.”

Trish Peterson, Kaila’s mother, said her daughter first got into baton twirling in a Community Education class at Eagle Ridge Junior High School at the age of 6.

“She took tumbling and dance classes in the past, but it just didn’t do it for her,” said Peterson. “She loved her baton classes and was invited to participate in a spring festival/recital. When she walked in and saw all the girls with the fancy costumes, hair and make-up she knew it was what she wanted to do.”

From there, Laumann started performing with a local twirling club, the Minnesota Magic. She also practices every Monday after school in the gym at St. John the Baptist Catholic School. She works on her routine, which includes a variety of elements including spinning the baton on her top lip, different spin combinations and throws, and even catching the baton over her shoulders and behind her back.

It wasn’t easy learning tricks. Laumann said she still hasn’t come close to mastering them all. But when she first started taking Community Education classes, she said she caught on quickly.

“It takes some time to perfect the tricks, but I think I started getting the basics right away,” said Laumann. “It was so much fun to learn. For me, once I started getting used to how to throw the baton and catch it, it came pretty easy.”