History of the Royalettes

   The Royalettes were established in the 1970’s, in the Richmond Area by Diane Johnson Gunnels. The Corps began as a baton twirling Corps whose primary purpose was performing in parades throughout Virginia. In 1980 the Royalettes began competing in contests sanctioned by the National Baton Twirling Association on a state level and quickly moved on to regional and national competition.

   The Royalettes offer a variety of programs for recreational twirlers as well as competition twirlers. Currently our primary practice locations are Bailey Bridge Middle School and Meadowood Church of God. The Royalettes have become high school majorettes, as well as college twirlers. Individual members of the Royalettes have won many awards on a state, regional and national level. Royalettes dance and twirl teams and twirling Corps are Virginia State Champions in beginner and advanced divisions. Royalettes dance twirl teams have consistently ranked among the “top five” in national competition. The Royalettes are National/World Open Twirling Corps Champions for the senior division for 2001 and 2005 and in the juvenile division for 2004. And, most recently, we became the 2006 Beginner Junior Large USA National and World Open Dance Twirl Team Champions

      The Royalettes are under the direction of Diane Johnson Gunnels. Our teaching staff includes lead coach Erica Singh (Diane’s daughter), and a former Royalette. Carrie Cheeley, Robin Cox, Rita Marie Hensley, Ashley Ellis and Rhonda Partin round out our coaching staff. Also assisting in coaching are Royalette advanced team members. We are very pleased to have nine 2nd generation Royalettes now twirling as part of our corps.


ROYALETTE MOTTO

“Reach for the Stars”


ROYALETTE CREED


The Royalette Baton Corps promotes the enjoyment of the art-sport of baton twirling. We encourage physical fitness, poise, goal setting and self-confidence. As members of the Royalette Baton Corps, we promise to practice hard, follow instructions and always do our best to benefit our Corps. We support each other in practice, performance and competition. We strive for excellence and realize this comes with hard work. It is an honor and a privilege to be a Royalette.

Please call the Royalette Hotline to stay informed!!!

Diane Gunnels, Director Hotline and Information Number: (804) 230-4652