The legendary story of Cleopatra, Queen of the Nile, is the inspiration for the 2023 performance program for the Salisbury’s Twirlers.

The debut performance of the production was held Jan. 28, in front of family and friends at Salisbury High School. It marked the end of a 7-hour day filled with music and dance performances from schools located across the region.

Salisbury Twirlers Mia Bernard and Haylee Leayman took time to speak to The Press as the day’s showcases got underway, to reflect both on this year’s program, as well as what makes being a Salisbury Twirler so special.

Bernard, who has been on the team since 2016, explained rehearsals for this home show started in November 2022. It’s a long season which goes until May, with summer practices as well.

The team is comprised of both middle and high schoolers.

Since COVID-19, Salisbury doesn’t have the numbers for both a junior and senior squad but that doesn’t seem to be a bad thing for this team. According to Bernard, there is an advantage to this having a united group. She explained “it’s been pretty good to see the middle schoolers be influenced by the high schoolers. The younger girls are getting pushed more than they would on a junior squad.”

Haylee Leayman started with the twirlers in seventh grade when she was at Salisbury Middle School and a friend told her to try it out. Five years later, she is clearly enjoying twirling, especially at the home show at SHS.

Leayman pointed out being able to perform in Salisbury, in front of family, friends and at school is exciting. “We are all really excited because we all love the home show and getting to perform at our own school,” she said.

“I’ve been doing this since sixth grade and since the beginning, I have always felt welcomed. Twirling is something for which I’ve always been so passionate about. I’ve always been excited to go to practice. I’ve always been excited to go out and perform. Performing is the best part. We build a family. We go to Wildwood, it’s a lot of fun, and it’s really inclusive. There’s just a lot to learn,” Bernard said, who will be moving on in June with fond memories of her twirling days in Salisbury.