Lunch on Saturday and the reception Saturday evening are both included in your registration fee.

A more detailed class schedule will be available as we get closer to the event.

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

The Mia Michaels Experience
Participate in an actual basic movement class led by renowned choreographer Mia Michaels from Fox's hit show, "So You Think You Can Dance". See how the foundation of training begins at the most basic level even from professionals at the top of their game. Whether you participate or choose to observe, you will see that proper training is the foundation for any movement program.

Next watch Mia interact with some of the top color guards in our activity to bring an entirely new approach from someone outside of the color guard world. See some of WGI's top world class performers explore new ideas with a totally new point of view.

Finally, participate in an interactive question and answer session with Mia about her work and approach to creativity and choreography. How does she come up with ideas? Choose music? What motivates her? A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ask questions to one of the leading choreographers of today.

Equipment "FUN"damentals – Flag, Rifle & Sabre
This expansive series of classes will dedicate each session to focus on one aspect of one piece of equipment individually. Join this comprehensive approach to equipment principles through hands-on if you wish or watch group demonstrations. Find out how to make this fun and challenging for your performers by creating different exercises that strengthens skills. You can relate these basic principles into your writing and increase the skills displayed in your show at whatever level you compete.

• Technique Exercises. From spins to planes and everything in between, your regimen of technique exercises make up the foundation upon which your show is laid. Learn the latest techniques from experts in the field that will inspire you to create what tools your guard needs to reach their maximum potential.



• How to Toss. The very heart of winter guard and what separates the best of best. See how to integrate accuracy with style to create the confidence every performers needs. Understand the relationship of the body to the equipment to control where that toss goes and see how the best technicians address style considerations underneath tosses to achieve uniformity and accuracy. Find out secrets to achieve uniform heights and rotations and, most importantly, that perfect catch that will make the audience respond and let your performers smile from ear to ear.



• Exchanges and Tricks. Have fun in this unique session about those most quintessential elements that everyone who've ever picked up a piece of equipment has wondered about. How do you build trust between exchange partners and how to do the newest and coolest tricks.



• Strength Building. Wonder why your performers fizzle out at the end of a long day or even a run-through? Chances are that huffing and puffing is because strength and stamina for one of the most physical of competitions hasn't been addressed. Learn how to increase your performer's capacity to get through your show with energy to spare while applying correct technique at the same time.

Movement "FUN"damentals
Another groundbreaking series of sessions will focus on the importance of movement and how you can give your performers the necessary tools to achieve the expressive qualities in your program. You are strongly encouraged to participate or you can watch group demonstrations. See how the basics of movement can be applied in every aspect of your program.

• Warm-up ideas
• Ballet basics
• Traveling combos / Leaps and jumps
• Movement with equipment
• Expanding your range of movement

The Language of Color Guard
The reality of writing, teaching & cleaning. This session will focus on the many different approaches to musical interpretation, demonstrate the process of how work is taught, then show how some of the best technicians spot problems and develop solutions to those irritating timing and technique issues.

The Journey of Design
Enter the world of one designer in their journey of design. Some of today's top designers give you their own distinctive approach in designing some of our favorite shows. Everything from music selection, costumes, prop and floor design, staging concepts and conceptual motivation will show you how design is from something deep within the designer. A fascinating insight to the process!

The WOW! Factor
Whether you're going the soft-and-pretty route or going for the tear-the-roof-off-the-gym reaction, the skill in bringing the audience along is the same. This class will help you develop an understanding of what makes a program appealing and entertaining through the tools of design and performance. Learn about creation and placement of effects as well as organization of ideas to get that standing ovation.

The Devil is in the Production Value
You think you have the total package but we all know it's the sum of the parts that make the whole. From soundtrack to colors, costumes, floors and equipment, see how attention to the smallest detail can bring your concept to life. If you use the words, "close enough" too often, then this class is for you!

Staging for A Class
All the floor's a stage and in this session you will study basic design principles of staging that can be applied to your beginning program. See how entrances and exits can either be a blessing or a curse and find out exactly what judges are talking about when transitions between events in your show is a missed opportunity rather than a positive aspect of your program.

Staging for Open Class
Understand the difference between geometry and freeform staging and when to utilize each. Learn how your placement of performers on the contest floor can actually raise your effect through coordination of all elements in your program. See how the same body and equipment phrase can have more impact through your choice of staging.

Judging in 2008
Chief Judge Jim Mahoney and Education Director Shirlee Whitcomb facilitate this session on the recent changes in the WGI judging system. Single panels, elimination of the block score and why was "Vocabulary" changed to "Choreography" on the IA sheets anyway? All will be explained in detail so come ready with your questions and leave with answers.

YOU in the Judges' Seat
A fun and interactive session that puts you in the judge's seat. See how the process of ranking and rating can be challenging when you are presented with a variety of situations judges face every season. Find out why those folks with the tape recorders make the calls they do and experience that process. This should prove to be an entertaining insight to a difficult job.

Class descriptions may change based on attendance or requests.
If you would like to submit a suggestion please email Spinfest@wgi.org