euphguy Posted June 20, 2012 Share Posted June 20, 2012 When it was announced that PR was going back to an all-female guard, I was very disappointed. I felt it wasn't very progressive of the corps to exclude male guard members, especially after the trends that were formed in years prior. However, I must say, the PR guard last year was hands down my favorite guard to watch. They were very clean and impressive in their performance. It looks like they are off to a similar start this year. Kudos to the PR guard staff for writing excellent work and having one of the best guards out there, without men. Some say that all-female guards are weaker and do less difficult work. So far, I haven't seen this from PR. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CQuinn Posted June 20, 2012 Share Posted June 20, 2012 Having only worked in guards with both Men and Women I was skeptical but it really works. I personally think Phantom's guard is as classy as they get. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flammaster Posted June 20, 2012 Share Posted June 20, 2012 I think they were the last to go co-ed. Besides Madison and Cavaliers have all male guards? 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jim costello Posted June 20, 2012 Share Posted June 20, 2012 The Phantomettes were a AWESOME guard back in the day ( 60s )! A great competitive guard, very classy glad to hear they are doing good work again ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cookies Posted June 20, 2012 Share Posted June 20, 2012 (edited) To play (an opinionated) devil's advocate: I believe having an all-female colorguard in a corps that is co-ed is not 'fair'. I was searching for a word other than fair, but couldn't think of one. Of course it offers an overall different vibe and I think either way, the guard will be talented. However limiting a co-ed corps to an only female guard is forcing young men who have always dreamed of performing there, to audition somewhere else. The fact being 'we are only auditioning females' seems unfair to me. As someone who dances, why would I not want to be with one of the most 'graceful' colorguards of the activity. A little far fetched, but it is the same as saying 'we are only going to audition those who weigh in at 110lbs or less' What do you think? Edited June 20, 2012 by Cookies 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chaos001 Posted June 20, 2012 Share Posted June 20, 2012 It's tradition and a part of their identity. This isn't anything new. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pat61 Posted June 20, 2012 Share Posted June 20, 2012 A little far fetched, but it is the same as saying 'we are only going to audition those who weigh in at 110lbs or less' What do you think? That isn't the same thing at all. I don't see why people care so much... If you are a guy and want to do corps as guard, that narrows down the choices. There is more they can do in the realm of Phantom's shows with it all female. (Turandot, Juliet, etc). Its very effective, and you can always assume they need 1 male "guard" to play the other half of the main character. Look at this year's show. Its a major role of a corps member this year. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jthomas666 Posted June 20, 2012 Share Posted June 20, 2012 To play (an opinionated) devil's advocate: I believe having an all-female colorguard in a corps that is co-ed is not 'fair'. I was searching for a word other than fair, but couldn't think of one. Of course it offers an overall different vibe and I think either way, the guard will be talented. However limiting a co-ed corps to an only female guard is forcing young men who have always dreamed of performing there, to audition somewhere else. The fact being 'we are only auditioning females' seems unfair to me. As someone who dances, why would I not want to be with one of the most 'graceful' colorguards of the activity. A little far fetched, but it is the same as saying 'we are only going to audition those who weigh in at 110lbs or less' What do you think? "Fair" has nothing to do with it. Phantom Regiment is a private organization; as such, they can determine what their artistic needs are, much in the same way that Madison and the Cavies are free to maintain their all-male tradition. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cookies Posted June 20, 2012 Share Posted June 20, 2012 (edited) To get even more far fetched, yet relatively timely (à la Miss.Universe pageant), I wonder how an all-male corps or all-female colorguard would handle the situation if someone transgendered chose to audition (and was brilliant). I wonder if they would accept them. edit: I wonder if the auditionee would even mention it? /far fetched comments Edited June 20, 2012 by Cookies 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkHorner Posted June 20, 2012 Share Posted June 20, 2012 I believe having an all-female colorguard in a corps that is co-ed is not 'fair'... While I agree on no discrimination, this isn't necessarily a valid point. The two sexes are not equal, and female guard can bring an entirely different atmosphere or set of abilities to a show. Likewise, an all male guard does the same. This is why integrated male and female guards are so popular. They get the best of both worlds. However, it is the corps discretion at what kind of mood or abilities (including specifically one gender) they want from their guard. That being said, I love the decision to go back to an all female guard. There is simply a grace and beauty that can be brought on in this way (can you see Juliet having male guard members?) that can't be accomplished with male guard. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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