The Satin Hearts Elite Twirlers excelled in the Spring Festival Contest at Heritage High School in Newport News on March 7.

They continue to grow as they compete in competitions sanctioned by the National Baton Twirling Association and have started to branch out into other divisions of competition.

In this month’s competition, the team competed in the Novice Basic Strut and Military Strut divisions in their age brackets, which was a first for them.

These divisions involve marching a pattern with baton movement, and participants are judged on areas such as posture, pointed toes, knee height and coordination of arms and legs.

The teams earned four first-place medals and one second-place medal.

“I am proud of the girls, as this was their first time competing in these divisions,” Coach Chanel Bryant said.

“Although the girls come from high-step band programs, some of the criteria expected in these divisions are a little different from what they are used to. But they adapted very well. We will take the critiques and continue to move forward.”

The team’s next performance will be on Saturday, during the “Essence of Twirling and Dance” Auxiliary Competition, hosted by Suffolk Parks and Recreation.