Not competitive? Jim, your sister must have led a sheltered life in the UK. or else schooled her children at home. It is true that school sports events over here seem to be free (so far as I know) of the showbiz, razzmatazz and cheerleading stuff that seems to accompany such events in the USA. But all that sort of energy seems to get channeled into the dance world, which is widely supported (and very competitive) throughout the UK. It's a side of dance that is completely ignored by the traditional dance crowd (some might say with good reason!) but its spread and method of transmission (peer group) would qualify it as traditional by many criteria. Baton-twirling would appear to have a military origin, but the showier aspects were developed by many (male) marching band leaders in the Orange and Green traditions. In the North-West of England there is a branch of Morris dancing (affectionately? known as "fluffy" Morris by the traditional lot), performed by cadres of girls in costumes not unlike those in the video clips above.

Here's a Link - Championships in Blackpool 2007

And if you haven't seen traditional North West Morris, here's the real thing:-

Stockport Morris Men (that's what it sez on the label)

My sister-in-law was into baton-twirling and drum-majoretting when I first met her (age 8). Certainly did her self-confidence no harm - she now runs her own financial consultancy business.

Ross