By Emily Cedre
Redefining what it means to be royalty is what one Princess brought to her reign of power, along with sharing love, compassion, elegance, understanding, and so much more. Princess Diana made sure that the Crown would never be the same again, and Allegiance Independent Open Winter Guard brought the tale of her life to the stage in their 2025 production entitled, “The Diana Effect.”
Allegiance’s director, Teresa Duckworth, knew going into this year that she and her staff would need to make sure to perfectly encapsulate the kind of person Princess Diana was and the immense legacy that she left behind after her untimely passing.
“As a Director, there are seasons that challenge you, grow you, and ultimately remind you why you do this – and 2025 was exactly that,” said Duckworth. “‘The Diana Effect’ was more than just a competitive production; it was an opportunity to educate, inspire and push boundaries – for our members and our audience. And we took that responsibility seriously.”
The staff selected the theme of their show by finding an interview of Princess Diana from 1995 and realizing that there was so much of her story–specifically her efforts in humanitarianism–that deserved to be shown more in the public eye than they have been. They even spent hours combing through the interview to find the perfect quotes from the Princess that truly embodied what she stood for and who she was.
“We researched a lot about her life, and discovered that she really loved abandoned spaces, she liked to wander around and find beauty in unexpected places, and she was actually quite the practical joker,” said production director, Ryan Klassa.
Using these newfound facts, the staff began to build the concept of the show, select a prop, pick out music and more.
“[The show] began with contemplative piano and strings, with the cast surrounding a chandelier that appeared to have fallen from the ceiling,” said Klassa. “As the music builds, we hear Diana telling her story, and suddenly the chandelier [prop] is illuminated with brilliant white lights. As the show progressed, the music increased in intensity until the final section, where we return back to the chandelier which is extinguished at the conclusion of the last note. The idea is that, though her light may have been cut short, it is now up to all of us to continue her legacy of hope, love, and kindness.”
As for costuming, the staff wanted to select something that aligned with how elegant and put together Diana always appeared.
“Working with our design partners, we decided a beautiful silhouette bodysuit would look the best on everyone, embellished with black sequins that would sparkle under the lights,” said Klassa.
Upon hearing the show’s music for the first time, second year member and co-captain, Maya Rose Springer reflected on the intense emotions she immediately felt.
“At first I didn’t recognize the voice, but I understood what she was saying when she spoke,” said Springer. “I remember crying after listening to it because the message was something I can really relate to, showing people love despite how hard you struggle, no matter what they’re going through.”
As a team, it was easily agreed that the members’ favorite part of the show was towards the conclusion of the program, which the athletes referred to as “Part 3.”
“At the end of the show when we’re all in a line and we have rippled toward the chandelier, we would smile at the audience and take in a final breath,” said Springer. “We were told for this part that we’re not just performing her story, but we’re passing along her message to the world, so when we’re all finally looking up at the audience and all is still and silent, we knew it was not just a show anymore, but it was so much bigger than that. At that point in the program, it truly felt like we had a greater purpose than just competing, we had to continue her legacy. At this point, I always thought I could feel Diana’s presence, or at least her love.”
This program meant more than just another winter guard show to the athletes who spent the season performing it.
“This production really pushed me to enjoy every moment I had with the team,” began second year member, Kat Behlke. “The reality is that no one is guaranteed tomorrow, so we have to live for today. Performing felt very emotional in ways previous seasons hadn’t, you could feel it every time we were on the floor, it felt like all of us connected and were experiencing it together.”
Klassa wants to remind anyone creating a winter guard show that it takes hard work, persistence and trust to truly bring the crowd on a journey to whatever world is trying to be brought into reality.
“Creating a show is an act of faith – this idea that you’re ‘willing’ something into existence that might mean something to the larger world,” said Klassa. “We set out this season to write a show that would take the audience on an emotional journey; one where they would feel invested and included. A show that would spark conversations between people that knew who Diana was, and people that might be introduced to what she stood for, for the first time. Every season is another chance to dig deep, to go beyond what’s comfortable, to introduce people to music they’ve never heard before, and to create a place where everyone can be deeply seen and heard. And as Diana said, ‘Someone’s got to go out there and love people. And show it.’”
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.
