Key Takeaway: Whether you're a beginner just starting your color guard journey or a seasoned performer looking to brush up on terminology, this comprehensive glossary covers all the essential terms you need to know. From equipment basics to advanced techniques, competition terminology to team positions, we've got you covered! Check out our complete collection of color guard equipment and gifts.
Introduction to Color Guard Terminology
Color guard combines elements of dance, theater, and equipment manipulation into a breathtaking visual performance art. As with any specialized activity, color guard has developed its own unique vocabulary over the years. Understanding this terminology is essential for effective communication during practice, performance, and competition.
This comprehensive glossary aims to demystify color guard lingo for newcomers while serving as a valuable reference for experienced performers. We've organized terms by category to help you quickly find the information you need.
Basic Equipment Terms
Flag Equipment
Flag - The primary piece of equipment in color guard, consisting of a pole (typically metal) with fabric attached.
Silk - The fabric portion of a flag, traditionally made of silk but now commonly made of synthetic materials like nylon or polyester.
Pole - The rod that holds the silk, typically made of aluminum, fiberglass, or carbon fiber.
Tab - The part of the silk that wraps around and attaches to the pole, usually secured with tape or screws.
Weight - A counterbalance at the bottom of the pole that helps with control and momentum during spins and tosses.
Carriage bolt - A type of bolt sometimes used as a flag weight.
Electrical tape - Used to secure the silk to the pole and add grip to the pole.
Strapping tape - Strong tape used to secure equipment and prevent damage.
Rifle Equipment
Rifle - A piece of equipment that resembles the shape of a rifle but is typically made of wood or composite materials.
Barrel - The long, thin part of the rifle.
Stock - The wider end of the rifle that would be the shoulder rest on a real weapon.
Strap - The leather or nylon band that runs along the barrel of the rifle.
Swivel - The metal piece that attaches the strap to the rifle.
Bolt - The metal piece on the side of the rifle.
Sabre Equipment
Sabre - A metal or composite blade-shaped piece of equipment with a handle.
Blade - The long, thin part of the sabre.
Handle/Hilt - The part of the sabre that is held during performance.
Tang - The metal piece that connects the blade to the handle.
Guard - The curved piece that protects the hand.
Movement and Technique Terminology
Basic Body Positions
Attention - The starting position with feet together, standing straight with arms at sides.
First position - A dance position with heels together and toes pointed outward.
Second position - A dance position with feet shoulder-width apart, toes pointed outward.
Third position - A dance position with one foot in front of the other, heel touching instep.
Fourth position - A dance position with one foot in front of the other, feet apart.
Fifth position - A dance position with one foot in front of the other, toes touching heels.
Plié - Bending of the knees while keeping the back straight.
Relevé - Rising onto the balls of the feet.
Port de bras - Movement of the arms from one position to another.
Parallel - Feet position with toes pointing straight ahead rather than turned out.
Flag Basic Techniques
Drop spin - A continuous spinning of the flag in one hand, letting gravity assist the movement.
Double time - Performing a movement twice as fast as the standard tempo.
Singles - One rotation of equipment.
Doubles - Two rotations of equipment in a single toss.
45 - A specific angle of the flag (45 degrees).
90 - A specific angle of the flag (90 degrees, or parallel to the ground).
Cones/Carve - A circular path made by the equipment through the air.
Flourish - A decorative or showy spinning movement of the flag.
Extension - Fully extending arms while holding equipment.
Grip - How the hands hold the equipment; can be traditional, pistol, or French.
Stop points - Specific positions where movement pauses briefly during a routine.
Silk roll - When the silk wraps around the body or pole.
Flag plant - Placing the bottom of the pole on the ground in a stationary position.
Flat - When the silk is fully visible to the audience (not edge).
Parallel - When the flag is held parallel to the ground.
Perpendicular - When the flag is held at a 90° angle to the ground.
Vertical - When the flag is held straight up and down.
Rifle and Sabre Techniques
Spins - Rotating the rifle or sabre around the hand or body.
Thumb flip - A one-rotation toss using the thumb for momentum.
Angel - A specific position where the equipment is held above the head.
Butt - The end of the rifle opposite the barrel.
Tosses - Throwing the equipment into the air and catching it.
Quads - A four-rotation toss.
Fives - A five-rotation toss.
Sixes - A six-rotation toss.
Pop toss - A quick, low toss.
Single - One full rotation in the air.
Double - Two full rotations in the air.
Triple - Three full rotations in the air.
Rifle catch - The technique of receiving the rifle after a toss.
Slam - A sharp, forceful catch that creates a loud sound.
Flat spin - Spinning the equipment parallel to the ground.
Vertical spin - Spinning the equipment perpendicular to the ground.
Around the body - Moving the equipment in a circular path around the performer's body.
Port arms - A position where the rifle is held across the body.
Order arms - A position where the rifle is held at the side.
Present arms - A position where the rifle is held in front of the body.
Advanced Techniques and Combinations
Release moves - Any technique where the equipment leaves the hand.
Behind the back - Passing or tossing equipment behind the performer's back.
Under the leg - Passing or tossing equipment under a raised leg.
Blind catch - Catching equipment without looking at it.
Work tape - A practice recording that helps performers learn routines.
Phrase - A sequence of movements that forms a unit within the larger routine.
Peggy spin - A spin where the flag rotates around the arm rather than the hand.
J-toss - A toss where the equipment follows a J-shaped path.
Helicopter - A horizontal spin where the equipment rotates like helicopter blades.
Chapeau - A move where the flag is positioned like a hat on the head.
Arabesque - A body position where weight is on one leg with the other extended.
Attitude - A position similar to arabesque but with the knee bent.
Chainé - A series of quick, connected turns.
Pirouette - A complete turn of the body on one foot.
Développé - A movement where the leg extends through a passé position.
Layout - A position where the body is fully extended horizontally.
Recycle - When a movement pattern repeats or returns to the beginning.
Sequential - When performers execute the same moves one after another.
Cascade - A visual effect created when performers execute the same move in sequence.
Performance and Show Terms
Routine - The choreographed performance of the color guard.
Show - The entire performance, including all elements.
Production - Another term for the complete performance package.
Drill - The formations and movements on the field or floor.
Sets - Specific positions within a formation.
Counts - The numerical breakdown of music to coordinate movement.
Transitions - Movement between sets or different parts of the routine.
Impact - A dramatic moment in the show, often coordinated with music.
Choreography - The planned sequence of movements in a routine.
Staging - How performers are arranged in space.
Accent - Emphasis on a particular movement to highlight musical features.
Arrival point - A specific moment when a planned effect is fully realized.
Dynamics - Variations in the quality of movement (sharp, fluid, etc.).
Check points - Specific body or equipment positions used to ensure uniformity.
Tempo - The speed of movement, usually matching the music.
Floor pattern - The path that performers follow on the performance space.
Interval - The space between performers in a formation.
Cover - Proper alignment with other performers in a formation.
Dress - Proper spacing between performers in a formation.
Uniformity - Consistency in appearance and execution among performers.
Competition Terminology
Caption - A scoring category in competition.
General Effect - A judging category focused on overall impact and entertainment value.
Equipment - A judging category focused on skill with flags, rifles, and sabres.
Movement - A judging category focused on dance and body technique.
Design Analysis - A judging category focused on the overall composition.
Box - A scoring range (Box 1-5) representing different levels of achievement.
WGI - Winter Guard International, the governing body for indoor color guard competitions.
Circuit - A regional organization that hosts competitions.
Classification - The competitive division (A, Open, World) based on skill level.
Prelims - Preliminary competition round.
Finals - The final round of competition featuring top-scoring groups.
Exhibition - A non-competitive performance.
Critique - Post-competition feedback session with judges.
Commentary - Recorded feedback provided by judges during performances.
Timing and Penalties - A category addressing rule violations and time requirements.
Recaps - The detailed breakdown of scores after a competition.
Rank - A group's placement in competition results.
Score sheets - Forms used by judges to evaluate and score performances.
Team Structure and Roles
Captain - A leadership position within the guard, often responsible for helping instruct and lead the team.
Co-captain - A supporting leadership role, often working alongside the captain.
Section leader - Person in charge of a specific equipment section (flags, rifles, etc.).
Director - The person who oversees the entire program.
Instructor - Person who teaches technique and routines.
Choreographer - Person who creates the movement and equipment work.
Designer - Person who creates the overall concept and visual elements.
Technician - A performer who excels in technical skills.
Veteran - An experienced guard member.
Rookie - A first-year guard member.
Flag line - The group of performers who primarily use flags.
Weapon line - The group of performers who use rifles and/or sabres.
Mixed equipment - When performers use multiple types of equipment during a show.
Ensemble - The entire group performing together.
Practice and Training Terms
Warm-up - Exercises performed before practice or performance to prepare the body.
Across the floors - Exercises performed moving across the practice space.
Basics block - Time dedicated to practicing fundamental techniques.
Conditioning - Physical training to build strength and endurance.
Stretching - Exercises to improve flexibility.
Blocking - Setting the formations and general movements of a routine.
Cleaning - Refining movements to ensure precision and uniformity.
Rep - Short for "repetition," practicing a sequence multiple times.
Full-out - Performing with maximum effort and energy.
Mark-through - Performing with reduced intensity to focus on specific elements.
Run-through - A complete performance of the routine from start to finish.
Drill-down - A competitive exercise where performers are eliminated for mistakes.
Equipment line - When performers line up to practice equipment skills.
Dance block - Time dedicated specifically to dance technique.
Equipment block - Time dedicated specifically to equipment technique.
Visual block - Time dedicated to marching and visual elements.
Drop count - Tracking equipment drops during practice or performance.
Success rate - The percentage of attempts that are executed without errors.
Winter Guard Specific Terms
Tarp/Floor - The customized floor covering used in winter guard performances.
Indoor season - The winter/spring competitive season for winter guard.
Regional - A local or regional winter guard competition.
Nationals - The national championship competition.
World Championships - The highest level of winter guard competition.
Floor crew - The team responsible for setting up and removing the floor.
Gym shoes - Special footwear worn during indoor performances.
Floor tape - Tape used to secure the floor to the performance surface.
Costume - The performance attire worn by guard members.
FAQs About Color Guard Terminology
What's the difference between color guard and winter guard?
Color guard typically performs outdoors with a marching band during fall, while winter guard performs indoors to recorded music during winter and spring. Winter guard often allows for more intricate choreography and equipment work due to controlled indoor conditions.
What are the main pieces of equipment used in color guard?
The three main pieces of equipment are flags, rifles, and sabres. Flags are the most common and fundamental, while rifles and sabres (often collectively called "weapons") require additional skill and are typically used by more experienced performers.
What do the different competition classifications mean?
Classifications (typically A, Open, and World in WGI) represent different skill and experience levels. A Class is entry-level, Open Class is intermediate, and World Class represents the highest level of skill and sophistication in design and performance.
How are color guard performances judged?
Performances are typically judged in several "captions" or categories, including General Effect (overall impact), Equipment (technical skill with equipment), Movement (dance and body technique), and Design Analysis (overall composition and visual design).
What should I look for when purchasing my first flag?
For beginners, look for a flag with:
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A lightweight pole (around 6 feet long)
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Durable silk material
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Proper weighting at the bottom
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Comfortable grip area
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Size appropriate for your height and strength
Check out our beginner flag options
How do I improve my equipment skills quickly?
Consistent practice is key. Focus on:
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Daily basics practice (at least 15-30 minutes)
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Recording yourself to identify areas for improvement
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Breaking down complex moves into smaller components
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Gradually increasing difficulty as you master each level
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Working with experienced instructors who can provide feedback
Conclusion
Mastering color guard terminology is essential for effective communication and growth in this unique performance art. Whether you're communicating with instructors, choreographers, or fellow performers, speaking the same "language" ensures everyone is on the same page.
Remember that color guard vocabulary continues to evolve as the activity grows and changes. Stay current by remaining active in the community, attending workshops and clinics, and connecting with other performers and instructors.
We hope this glossary serves as a valuable resource throughout your color guard journey. Bookmark it for quick reference during practices and rehearsals!
Browse our complete collection of color guard equipment, apparel, and gifts to find everything you need for your color guard journey.