Hi everyone!
One of the BEST ways to grow as a performer/instructor/designer/etc, is to really be involved in industry by watching shows to see trends and performance at the highest level.
SO, this season, we’re going to start highlighting some standout shows from the floor so we can grow together!
And we’re kicking off this series with (drum roll please 🥁)
“Till Death Do Us Part” – Vox Artium 2023 (Open Class)
Although I admit I am a LITTLE biased since I’ve marched Vox in the past, after receiving a score of 81.5 at their FIRST WGI show, I couldn’t ignore it.
Let’s talk about why this show is working–
- The performers are giving. At the heart of every show, there is a story they is portrayed through many different devices (including, but not limited to): The choreography, the design, the costumes, and of course, the performance. The cast KNOWS what they want to say and who they are saying it to. They also excude confidence, which is not only evident in their performance, but also in their technique.
- The show is unique. When I saw the title of the program, I honestly expected another show about love. But the twist is unexpected, exciting, and innovative.
- The design. The colors, props, costumes, and floor design all serve a very specific and motivated purpose. Everything is being used. ALSO, the drill is incredibly motivated, and fully supported by the choreography.
- The vocabulary scores and execution scores are CLOSE. This one is a little more judge-speak, but have you ever heard of “overwriting” choreography? It’s important to push your performers, but it’s also important to know what they can realistically achieve for show day. Vocabulary scores score what’s written, execution scores score how well the performers are doing it (check out the recaps to see the scores for yourself). If it’s close, that means the performers are doing what’s expected of them! HOWEVER, this early in the season, since the scores are so close, it’s also important to see if it’s worth it make the show a bit harder to raise both scores, or to keep perfecting what’s given. There’s no wrong answer here, it’s all about knowing your program and what you think is best.
- The choreo is interesting, exciting, and CLEAN. I don’t know about you, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen flags this clean this early in the season. At least not for a very long time. The staff and students put their best foot forward, and it shows.
What do you think? What makes this a standout show? What others shows stand out to you this season? Comment below!
And make sure to follow Vox Artium to see what they do next!
