Revolution | IBTF Newsletter

What is X-Strut?

A choreographed program routine for athletes using one baton in a rhythmically timed exercise in an “X” pattern demonstrating various forms of movement and basic marching with complimentary baton usage that is executed to a standard piece of music.

Discipline Description

The X-Strut discipline is a unique discipline incorporating movement forms and military-style marching with restrictive, yet complimentary, baton work rhythmically executed on a prescribed “X” formation to prescribed march music.

Discipline Focus

1. Content: The X-Strut discipline is a body-dominant discipline that has movement choreography displayed rhythmically enhanced with creative, yet restrictive, baton work that may never leave the hand. Creative and varied passes, slides, loops, swings, etc will act as a “third dimension” to the rhythmically displayed body routine. A variety of leaps, kicks, lunges, spins/turns and poses will complement the fluid choreography along with other appropriate forms of movement skills. Timing and continued rhythmic flow will be seamless and clarity of body and baton is of utmost importance. Proper training and execution of body and baton technique is paramount and the athlete will display moves that are compatible with the achieved skill set of the athlete. The “X” formation is the staging of the routine with the required 4 basic marching steps to begin the first, second, third, and fifth “legs” of the “X” formation. Timing of the X-Strut routine begins with the first movement and ends with the final salute.

2. Execution: The skills presented in the X-Strut discipline should be seamless in connection and demonstrate a priority of proper body and baton technique and reflect the prescribed timing responsibility as dictated by the music. Although not musically interpretive, the X-Strut routine must conform to the rhythm, phrasing, and timing structure of the music. The required basic marching steps must be executed beginning with the left foot and accenting the downbeat of the music. When not in basic march mode, the athlete will display a “free form” series of movements that must reflect the beat and rhythm of the music. The athlete will perform with consistent projection, eye contact, confidence and enthusiasm. The entertainment value increases when the athlete is able to draw the audience into the performance with positive energy and excitement.

X-Strut Additional Information

The X-Strut is a body and restricted baton event performed in a specified X pattern in a rhythmical presentation which includes compulsory basic marches at all levels of competition.
Emphasis is on timing, balance and the simultaneous blending of an equal degree of excellence of both baton and body skills.

Construction
Athletes shall perform individually within the prescribed “X” floor pattern.

The direction of pattern shall be as in the diagram and the required basic marching steps with complimentary baton work that must occur are represented by the numbers on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th legs. The athlete’s opening section of the strut program before the opening salute should remain in the same general area without excessive movement away from their starting position.
WFNBTA salute is to be given at the beginning after the opening section and the end of the routine, with the beginning salute facing the first diagonal, and the ending salute facing the judges, holding the salute position for a minimum of two counts.
Movement may take an athlete slightly off the X-Strut pattern; however, as long as the athlete continues in the basic directional X pattern, a penalty is not assessed.
The “free movement” portion after the 5th leg shall not extend beyond the borders set by leg 1. The athlete may conclude the performance at any point within the designated area.
One penalty for out-of-step will be given for each series of 4 marching steps
There is no forward movement permitted in the same direction before the required basic marching sections.
No more than two continuous baton revolutions are permitted when the baton is held by the shaft. Loops, when the baton is held by the ball or tip, are unlimited. The baton must remain in the grip of one hand or the other throughout the whole performance.
Permitted: Slides are permitted. Tosses/rolls/fingers/any form of releases are not permitted.
Retracing is permitted.
Acrobatic movements are not permitted. No parts of the body other than the feet should touch the floor throughout the routine.
Baton floor contact is allowed when intentional and not a result of a loss of control which would then result in a reduced degree of excellence score.
No Baton or body elements are permitted after the final salute. Bringing the baton out of the salute position is not considered an element.

Link to Music File

Potential penalties at all levels of competition:

Not following the prescribed X-Strut pattern.
In WFNBTA, even a small deviation from the X pattern resulted in a penalty, however for IBTF, the lack of performing in an X must be obvious to everyone on the panel immediately and very small movements, outside of an exact X-pattern will not be penalized.
Not performing the full four required basic marches at the four required segments of the X-pattern.
Twirling where the baton leaves the full grip of either hand as well as more than two, 360° rotations of the baton in any one hand at a time. These rotations are specified when the baton is held by the shaft however when held by the tip or ball, revolutions are unlimited.
Any part of the body touching the floor other than the feet.
Failure to salute before the first set of four basic marches or at the end of the program.
Any elements performed by the baton or body after the final salute.

There are also content restrictions for the B level and the A level. Here are some of the highlights. For the full explanations, please refer to the IBTF rulebook.

In the B level an athlete may only perform one major body move at a time. These major body moves may not be combined with other major moves or minor moves without a definite hesitation, with both feet on the floor before entering into the next element.

The B level strut aligns with Solo spin restrictions of 1-3 spins - this includes chaîne turns.

In A level - double major body elements are permitted however, they may not be combined with other major, or minor body elements unless there is a definite halt with both feet on the floor before the next element is performed.

This discipline proves to be a very unique and dynamic combination of baton handling skills in partnership with excellence of the body - The balance of these two components while adhering to the strict rules surrounding this discipline is what creates a successful X-Strut program!

Tips for Choreographers:

In order to avoid penalties for combining major and minor body moves or two major body moves (both of which are not permitted in the B level) choreographers must make certain the athlete pauses with both feet on the ground before moving into the next element. It is this hesitation, or pause with both feet on the ground, that ensures the athlete regains their balance and control before moving on to the next element.
It is important that choreographers do not over-use elements where a pause after the element could appear abrupt or awkward. As an example: a basic three spin in a B Level X-Strut (without achieving perfection in balance) might be difficult to stop, looking abrupt or awkward. Choosing elements that flow together (even with a pause between) will promote smooth and logical transitions. That is key to a successful X-Strut.

Join the Majorettes Online FAQ meeting!
Tuesday, February 28 at 9:00 CET Europe

When: February 28, 2023

Join the Majorettes Online FAQ meeting! Tuesday, February 28 at 9:00 CET Europe

When: February 28, 2023

Join the Majorettes Online FAQ meeting!
Tuesday, February 28 at 9:00 CET Europe