|
|
Post by jeremiah on Feb 4, 2022 18:38:14 GMT -6
|
|
|
|
Post by srv1084 on Feb 12, 2022 19:05:01 GMT -6
Anybody else watching? Just wrapped up SW prelims and I am incredibly impressed. Indiana has so much talent in this activity. Adding a little write-up below with my thoughts.
One general comment is that there were very few shows with musical selections that genuinely excited me. While shows with classical music are often elegant and beautifully designed, I tend to prefer shows that are a bit more upbeat and exciting, with musicality in choreography that follows rhythmic cues in the music. Thankfully, these guards were all so terrific that I was still able to find plenty I enjoyed in all of these shows.
In order of how I'd rank these guards:
Avon - Show is titled "The Age of Anxiety." A completely unexpected offering from Avon with the soudntrack comprised of a single pop ballad. Here I was thinking Carmel was already so clean for this early in the season, and out comes Avon. This show's staging was so aesthetically pleasing. There was always so much clarity on where a viewer should focus their attention, both in terms of unison moments and ripples. Even though you knew where to focus your attention, there was plenty of supporting movement and work elsewhere on the floor. There are various plexiglass screens separating sections of the floor, and at the end the members broke free from behind the screens representing what I can only assume is an allegory for learning to live with our anxiety and insecurities and knowing that there is power in breaking free from them. They want a gold medal come April and nothing I saw tells me it's not possible.
Carmel - Show is titled "The Unbearable Lightness of Being." I don’t understand it, but I don't have to. This show is insane. Their weapons are CLEAN and are executing some incredibly difficult and intricate tosses and risky exchanges. I was worried about Rosie Queen's departure impacting the program, but that concern was unwarranted. They haven't lost a step. In the championship conversaion this year.
Miamisburg - Show is titled "Love Dream." Miamisburg is absolutely bonkers this year. Their show exudes the same amount of elegance as Center Grove's show from last year and they're doing some incredibly difficult work, especially their weapons. They have a section that I can only describe as a never ending rifle ripple that goes all the way across the floor and back multiple times, and it's already looking pretty clean even in mid-February. Super excited to see what they can do by the end of the season, and that's coming from someone who usualy prefers much more upbeat, powerful shows over subuded/elegant programs.
Center Grove - Show is titled "Mysterium." Coming off two years where I felt they were in strong contention for the title, there was a lot to live up to this year. One of the smaller guards in world class with only 15 members. I was impressed with how coordinated they were with a soundtrack lacking an easily identifiable tempo (while some structure, it was very rubato in nature). With that in mind, they continue to perform shows that focus much more on ripple effects and performer cues than very many unison moments. Some difficult work, but they were very noticeably sloppy compared to prior years with a ton of drops and mishandling of tosses. Pretty uncharacteristic of Center Grove to not have more command of their weapons. The great news is this show is packed with potential and they have nearly two months left.
Warren Central - Show is titled "My World." Three small square tarps in the center to start the show with no clear message. Eventually more are revealed and manipulated to eventually spell out "My World," representing them taking their destiny into their own hands and carving out their respective places in the world. In typical Warren Central fashion, lots of full ensemble rifle moments to start the show while building to a memorable flag feature at the end once they've completed building the stage.
Fishers - Show it titled "Timeless." They're performing a show that I can only describe as a watercolor park scene coming to life. A complete 180 from their last show, which was a lot more focused on a world class entry based on crowd engagement and fun. Very much in the finals conversation, but wonder if they'll be held back by the design analysis subcaption as it's often hard to focus or engage with stuff going on all over a very busy floor design. For more of an untrained eye (like myself), it makes it hard establish any real continuity or flow to the show, as it's just continual movement and shifting of focus. Regardless, I think this is still a pretty strong offering from a growing program and I'm excited to (hopefully) see them in their first world class finals this year.
Northview - Show is titled "Pearl" after Janis Joplin's album of the same name. Northview is known for performing fun, meomrable shows, and this year is no exception. The show revolves around a soundtrack of Janis Joplin hits. The crowd really seemed to love this show, but from a competitive standpoint I'm not sure it has the legs to finish that high this year. The fully white stage and backdrops makes reading any weapon work quite difficult. The soundtrack also presents as a bit one-note and there is very minimal dynamic contrast in both the music and resulting choreography/work, especially when comparing it to other rock-focused shows (like West Broward when they performed their Amy Whinehouse show). Regardless this one is in the conversation for fan favorite should they make finals this year.
|
|
|
|
Post by guardmom2021 on Feb 13, 2022 7:12:25 GMT -6
I agree with everything you said. I was able to watch most of the groups but it was from the floor entrance door so not the best view. It's definitely going to be a fun year with some great shows!
|
|
