or world level. It’s a lot of hard work and while Sherry can be a
tough coach, she has great vision. Her results prove she knows
what she’s doing,” says Kiesling.
To date, the senior Modernettes have competed and won
first place in every World Championships of Twirling since the
competition began except one. In total, they have won nine gold
medals and one silver. They have also competed three times in
the Pom Pom Championship and brought home a gold, silver
and bronze medal. World competitions are held every three years
and began in Holland. Subsequent world competitions have been
in France in 1993, Italy in 1996, England in 2000, France in 2003,
Holland in 2006, Belgium in 2009, Switzerland in 2012, Italy in
2015 and Norway in 2018.
Local and regional teams must compete nationally to earn a
spot on Team USA. The Modernettes have accomplished this feat
at every World Championship competition.
“Of the 134 members on this year’s world team, 34 members
were Modernettes,” notes Kiesling. “And four of them live in
Bethel Park, including Alayna Banks, 12; Riley Gloeckl, 16; Kira
Greer, 15; and Alexis Kiesling, 15. Other team members are from
Canonsburg, Eighty-Four, Fayette City, Finleyville, McDonald,
Peters Township, South Park and West Jefferson Hills. We even
have Modernettes who live in Ohio, Illinois and South Carolina
who practice over holiday breaks and summers. They are all so
dedicated.”
The World Championship competitions are the pinnacle of
competition for the Modernettes. They are hosted and presented
much like the Olympics with opening and closing ceremonies.
“The great thing about these competitions is they provide
the team with a broader perspective due to the international
travel and interacting with teams from all over the world,” says
Kiesling. “And because the USA team always does so well, they’ve
occasionally been greeted with a standing ovation. Everyone
wants to see our routines from one year to the next. It’s pretty
thrilling.”
Since Vignoli-Parisi retired this year, and is in the process of
selling the building on Brownsville Road where the Modernettes
practiced for decades, the future of the franchise is up in the
air. Two former Modernettes have agreed to take the lead, but
finding a practice space large enough, with high-enough ceilings
for baton training has proven to be difficult.
“We believe the new coaches, LeAnn Chamberlin and Tina
Tomlins, have the drive and fortitude to continue the success of
the team,” adds Kiesling. “I would hate to see it end here after
such a long and successful history.”
“The great thing about these competitions
is they provide the team with a broader
perspective due to the international travel and
interacting with teams from all over the world.”
As for Vignoli-Parisi, her decision to retire and close Ruby
Daugherty and Sherry School of Dance was not an easy one.
“With the passing of my mother last July, at age 90, and
attending my 10th world championships, I knew it was time,”
she explains. “I will certainly miss the Modernette twirlers
as well as their families. They have become our extended
family. The corps this year, known as ‘The Dream Team,’ was
hard working, determined and focused on achieving their goals.
The Modernette motto is ‘No matter what, always be a class act,’
and I can truly say all the team members have been just that. The
Modernettes are not only champions, they’re outstanding young
people. I am very proud and honored to have been their director.
The corps name, the Modernettes, was retired in August, but
their reputation for excellence will live on forever.”
Under the new name Passion Twirling
and Pom, the group now operates as part of
the Bethel Park’s recreation programming
and practices at Ben Franklin Elementary
School, offering classes in beginning and
intermediary twirling and pom.
Time will tell about the future of the
Modernettes, but Kiesling stands proud as
a former World Championship title holder
and is even more proud of her daughter,
Alexis.
“I was on the first world championship
team when we won in Holland and she is
on the last team that won in Norway led
by Sherry,” she says. “It’s bittersweet but it
binds us together.” ■
BETHEL PARK
❘
WINTER 2018
15