The home of twirling
across the UK & Ireland
The premier baton twirling and majorette competition association for the UK and Ireland. A fair, professional platform for dancers, troupes and families across both islands.
Royal Grand Open
21 June 2026
A new era for baton twirling.
The Royal Twirling Association was founded in February 2026 by Liam Crooks, a passionate leader committed to giving UK dancers a proper platform built on fairness, safeguarding and community.
We believe every dancer deserves to showcase their talent in a supportive, well-organised setting. Clear rules, experienced judges, and a commitment to excellence that sets a new standard for the sport.
“Our mission is simple: celebrate the artistry, athleticism and dedication of every twirler while maintaining the highest standards of safety and professionalism.”
Liam Crooks, RTA President
Built different, on purpose
Three things we believe in. And three reasons troupes across the UK are choosing the RTA as their home.
Professional
Structured competitions with transparent scoring, experienced judges, and comprehensive categories across all disciplines and age groups.
Safety First
100% DBS-checked officials, comprehensive safeguarding policies, a dedicated Safeguarding Officer and strict health and safety protocols. Always.
Community
A welcoming network of troupes, dancers, parents and coaches united by a love for the sport. We celebrate every achievement, big or small.
Eight ways to shine
Every RTA competition features all eight disciplines across multiple age divisions.
Pom Team
Dance Twirl
Military Freestyle
Solo Baton
Duo Baton
Solo Pom
Duo Pom
Para Events
Royal Grand Open 2026
Our inaugural competition. Teams from across the UK competing in all eight disciplines across every age division. Be part of history.
Event Starts In
There's a path for you
Whether you're new to the sport or already leading a troupe, we've got you covered.
For Dancers & Parents
Find a local troupe, register your membership, and start competing. All from one easy dashboard.
For Troupe Leaders
Join the RTA as an affiliated troupe. Manage members, pay bulk memberships and enter competitions.
For Partners
Back the future of twirling across the UK and Ireland. Sponsorships, venue partnerships and supplier deals available.
From signup to the dance floor
Getting started is simple. Here's how your RTA journey begins.
Find your troupe
Browse our directory of affiliated troupes across the UK. Pick one near you.
Join the troupe
Sign up with the RTA, select your troupe, and your troupe leader will approve you.
Get your membership
Your troupe leader pays your £5 annual membership. You get a digital card with QR code.
Compete
Your troupe enters you into competitions. Show up, twirl your heart out, collect the trophies.
Meet Polly.
Your RTA guide.
Questions about memberships, competitions, rules or how to get started? Polly is our AI assistant trained on every RTA document - including the full rule book, policies and guides. Instant answers, 24/7.
Grounded in the RTA rule book, safeguarding policy and member guides
Warm, conversational and honest - she'll tell you when she doesn't know
Available on every page, bottom-right corner
Look for the gold “Ask Polly” bubble in the corner.
Good to know
Quick answers to the things people ask us most.
Q.Who can join the RTA?
Anyone! From 2 year old beginners to adult dancers. We have age divisions for every level from Babies through to Seniors, and we welcome dancers of all abilities including para events.
Q.How much does membership cost?
Just £5 per dancer per year. Your troupe leader handles the payment in bulk so you don't need to pay the RTA directly.
Q.Do I need experience to join?
Not at all. Our troupes welcome complete beginners through to advanced competitors. Your troupe leader will help you find the right level.
Q.How are you different from other associations?
We're built on transparency, safeguarding and fair competition. 100% DBS-checked officials, published rules, independent judging, and a proper digital platform.
Q.Where are events held?
Our inaugural Royal Grand Open is at Sedbergh Sports in Bradford on 21 June 2026. Future events will rotate across the UK as we grow.
Q.Is there a help chatbot?
Yes! Tap the gold “Ask Polly” bubble in the bottom-right of any page for instant answers about rules, memberships, and more.
Still got questions?
Contact usOur core values
The principles that shape everything we do at the RTA.
Integrity
Fair governance and unbiased scoring.
Creativity
Encouraging artistic originality.
Respect
Sportsmanship between all competitors.
Safety
Athlete welfare comes first, always.
Growth
Education, mentorship and pathways.
Your twirling journey
starts here
Sign up in minutes. Find your troupe. Compete at the inaugural Royal Grand Open and be part of a brand new era for baton twirling across the UK and Ireland.