Winter Sky Independent 2027 Virtual Audition Requirements

Independent A Class Winter Guard

Thank you for your interest in joining Winter Sky Independent for the 2027 competitive season! As an Independent A class ensemble, our philosophy is simple: just do your best at what you can. We are fully committed to training the right individuals, regardless of your prior experience level. We look for growth, a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and a passion for performance.

Please read and follow all instructions below carefully. All video links must be submitted by September 15 at 11:00pm.

Part 1: Personal Introduction

Begin your video by standing centered in the frame. Introduce yourself clearly to the camera.

– State your full name and age.
– Detail any previous color guard, marching band, dance, or athletic experience (it is completely fine if you are a beginner!).
– Briefly explain why you want to be a part of Winter Sky Independent this season.

Part 2: Movement & Dance Blocks

Perform the following skills wearing appropriate dance or form-fitting athletic attire. If a skill is new to you, just show us your best attempt!

A. Movement Fundamentals

– Plies & Tendus: 8 counts of slow plies- down for four up for four in to a grande. (1st and 2nd position) followed by 8 counts ( four counts out, four counts in) of tendus (front, side, and back on both feet).
– Across-the-Floor Skills: Chassés, jazz runs, and a “show us your sass” performance walk (traveling left to right across the camera frame showing your personality and performance presence). Please use songs that are between 120 and 160 bpm.
– Strength & Balance (Relevé Hold): Stand with feet together, lift up high onto the balls of your feet (relevé), and hold your arms out to the side for 8 counts to demonstrate your core strength, ankle stability, and balance.

B. Choreography

Perform one of the two choreography choices:
– Choice one- https://youtu.be/GZtBHFX0tLI?si=hR-_23DOMogtXPb1
– Choice two- https://youtu.be/r2k7wT50E24?si=3IRUCoHwAbGRjVFQ

Part 3: Flag Technique & Choreography

All flag skills must be performed with a standard 5 1/2 or 6-foot flagpole.
Click Here for an extensive Spotify playlist of songs at 120 BPM

A. Flag Fundamentals

– Drop Spins: 50 continuous drop spins on the right hand, followed by 50 continuous drop spins on the left hand (performed to a steady metronome or song at 120 BPM).
– Cones / Funnels: 16 counts of standard figure-eight funnel patterns.

B. Flag Tosses

Perform each of the following tosses exactly three times. Show us what you can comfortably execute:
– Single toss (from a standard tape-to-tape starting position). Aka. pop toss
– One-and-a-half (1.5) toss. With prep of your choice.
– Double toss. With prep of your choice
– 45 toss- both with prep and without.
– Optional: Any advanced or trick toss of your choice that demonstrates your maximum skill level.

C. Flag Choreography

Perform the choreography provided in one of these two videos- to the best of your ability.
– Choice one- https://youtu.be/qDIQv94-EPU?si=Yikw_Fbp3avC8MMl
– Choice two- https://youtu.be/QiOs7bx23FU?si=WurZfbXKa9gI8Dqo

Part 4: Weapon Section (Optional)
Note: This section is entirely optional. If you wish to be considered for the weapon line, please submit this section. We welcome you to try out even if you only have basic experience.

A. Rifle

– Spins: 32 counts of right-hand spins and 32 counts of left-hand spins (with stops).
– Tosses: Three repetitions each of a Single, Double, Triple, and Quad (4) toss (show us the highest rotation you can cleanly catch). No prep for a single and double.

B. Saber

– Spins: 32 counts of right-hand hilt spins and 32 counts of left-hand hilt spins.
– Tosses: Three repetitions each of a Single, Double, Triple, and Quad (4) toss. No prep for a single or double.

Part 5: Video Formatting & Submission Rules

Camera Placement: Set your camera or phone to a horizontal (landscape) layout. It must remain completely stationary.

Framing: You must remain visible from head to toe at all times. Ensure the camera angle is wide enough that the entire arc of your highest tosses stays completely in the frame.

Audio: Your metronome or audition music must be clearly audible over the sound of your equipment.

Attire: Wear solid black, form-fitting athletic clothes or dancewear. Hair must be pulled back away from your face securely. No heavy jewelry.

Submission: Upload your video to YouTube as an “Unlisted” link (do not set it to Private, or the staff will not be able to view it). Copy and paste the link into the form below. Alternatively, you can attach your video file directly to the form submission.