In regards to the SFWGA premier and miaminight's review, I have to say that I agree.
Scholastic A:
Spanish River was simply beautiful. I'm sure they will be going up to another class soon. The level of difficulty and the overall show production was not comparable to anyone else in their class. I can't wait to see them represent south florida at WGI.
Cypress Bay had a lovely show as well. I thought there was too much pink, though. The floor was a rose and the costumes and flags all had pink in it. Good, show, but not really anything to remember.
Coral Glades had a decent performance. I don't think the overall show design will get them very far, though. I mean, John Mayer? That's good for a beginning guard, but the talent of the performers is definitely clear. There were blade 5's going up all over the floor. I know Dean Broadbent wrote their drill, but I just don't think they'll get very far this season.
Independent A:
FIU has grown a lot since last year and there were many good moments in the show. They should have performed in all black, though, because it did seem like a bigger mess with all the blue moving around the floor. Good vocabulary, but the execution and timing of the phrases just needs to be worked on. I'm really glad to see them back on track from last year!
Medea still hasn't finished their show, but it was nice to see them back. Nothing to GE captivating, but a work still in progress.
Scholastic Open:
Santaluces is another show I didn't get. It wasn't a typical Santaluces show, but the show is coming along. I didn't really feel anything from the performers and I hope to see them grow during the season.
Cooper City has a lot to work on. It was obvious that there are different levels of performers and that they weren't finished with the show yet. I really didn't understand the show either. Maybe with their floor and costumes I'd be able to understand it better, but as of premier, I still don't get it. Nothing really exciting about this show.
Taravella didn't show up because of their "inaugural parade" excuse.
Scholastic World:
Flanagan has the same show style every year. It's getting pretty redundant and I'm sure the whole crowd felt the same way. The only memorable moment was them throwing their equipment up in the air together. Their floor wasn't really much to look at and the flag feature was basically identical to last year. I also noticed that the only ensemble tosses they had were 4's and like 1 ensemble 5. For a world guard, I didn't think their work was that difficult. I definitely don't see them as a contender for the gold medal this year. Maybe 5-10. Nothing too memorable.
Stoneman Douglas is a lot smaller than last year and there is definitely a big range in the performance levels. You could tell that they were extremely nervous, which caused them to have a bad run. I do think, though, that their show design is a lot better than last year and that with time, I think their show will grow to be really good. They just need to work on execution and performing and I'm sure they'll be just fine.
Braddock Independent has definitely changed since last year and is looking better than ever! Strong equipment phrases and great performers! I was on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. I didn't see a flag feature, but that doesn't really matter. No floor or costume was seen from them yet, but I'm sure when the show design is complete, they will be better than ever! Top 10 this year at WGI? I can bet on it!
Premonition is proving themselves to be world class performers! Beating Braddock in equipment and movement is a big step for them. The crowd was crazy for them from beginning to end. There is definitely a lot of GE captivating moment, but they just need to be a little cleaner. Overall great show! I'm sure we'll be seeing them in IW finals this year.