By Emily Cedre
In recent years, many shows have tended to include numerous fun props, a large number of athletes, and colorful costumes that effortlessly draw the crowd into the performance. An incredible team from Miami, Florida, proved that with only seven performers – known as “The Mighty Seven” – no props and black uniforms, they could completely captivate the audience in the same way larger teams can.
Relentless’ show, “My Mind,” was set to the song bearing the same name by Yebba, telling the story of someone struggling to move forward in their personal life while fighting with a complex set of emotions. Directors Michelle Morales and Nicholas Rodriguez spoke about how much thought went into crafting the perfect program to fit the haunting ballad the team performed to.
“[We were] blending intricate choreography with catharsis of the lyrics,” said Morales and Rodriguez. “The show weaves a poignant story of resilience and the inner journey toward reclaiming one’s strength.”
When deciding on this theme, the coaching duo used their membership to determine that their performers would do best with a show rooted in passion.
“We knew that we needed a vehicle that a small cast could really drive, and every time Nick and I listened to the song, it would give us so much inspiration,” said Morales. “Even from the kitchen table during planning meetings, we could see the moments happening in our minds, and we knew the cast was talented and hungry enough to fulfill such a mature theme.”
Morales and Rodriguez went on to say that the song had been sitting on a winter guard song playlist of theirs for years, just waiting to be used for the perfect team’s show.
To ensure that the theming would be visible in all aspects of the show, Morales and Rodriguez prioritized collaboration with their design team.
“Travis Wade, our tarp and flag designer, had the idea to create a tarp that could be a statement piece on its own, with…hair representing the different thoughts and feelings that are being exemplified throughout the show,” said Morales and Rodriguez. “The flags were designed to further add to the storyline by starting muted and evolving to vibrant colors during the ensemble feature as the music climaxes.”
As for their uniforms, they selected to design them on their own to create a unique pattern that represented their view on the emotions portrayed throughout the show. The team ended up using a fabric that appeared like broken shards of glass on the front, center of the uniform, with the rest of the costuming remaining black to show how deep in thought their athletes were while showcasing their performance.
When it came time to start performing their show at the beginning of the season, the coaches reminded their team of the responsibility that came with being on the smaller side.
“With a small cast, we told the members from the beginning that the audience can see you as an individual performer and will follow you as you tell your story,” said Morales and Rodriquez. “There was no hiding behind props or other people; this was their moment to shine and wow…the audience would eat it up! The team was widely celebrated in both circuit shows and at regionals, and this would motivate them to be more focused and purposeful at rehearsal.”
From that first performance on, the crowd was electric and beyond supportive of Relentless. Some of the audience even went as far as learning the lyrics of the show to continuously hype up the team throughout their beautiful show.
This was a season of many firsts for the program, including the organization’s very first time making it to WGI Finals.
“All season we had so much support from our alumni, family, and friends, and even thousands of miles from home, they still managed to make our members feel special in Dayton,” reflected Morales and Rodriguez. “After our finals performance, we had an emotional end-of-season huddle with the staff and team that made the hard moments worth it and brought everything full circle. After eight years as an active organization, we’ve cultivated bonds truly built on love for this activity and for each other that are now stronger than ever.”
Morales and Rodriguez want every performer to remember to never give up on their dreams and that the memories made throughout a spinner’s journey will stick with them more than the scores and placement ever will.
About the Author:
Emily Cedre works as a content creator for OneTouch Direct in Tampa, Florida. She graduated from the University of South Florida with a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications with a concentration in Broadcast Programming and Production. She also minored in Psychology. She began colorguard in her junior year of high school, was a captain of Sunlake High School’s Open Class team and has since spun for the University of South Florida.
