How to Dance With Banners & Flags

Banners and flags add dramatic visual impact to a dance performance.

Dancing with banners and flags is typically done either for school sporting events such as by a color guard team or cheerleaders or as a part of a praise or worship dance. The colors of the banners and flags should be thoughtfully chosen in accordance with school colors or with the colors of nature for a praise dance. These props add to the visual appeal of the dance but they have to be managed carefully so they do not interfere with the dance itself.

Things You'll Need

• Banners
• Flags
• Scissors
• String
• Wooden or metal pole

Instructions

1. Cut holes in the hems of the banners or flags, loop strings through the holes and tie them to the wooden or metal pole.

2. Choreograph some basic footwork before adding in the banners and flags. Match your moves with the beat of the music.

3. Add the banners and flags to the choreography. Depending on the rhythm of the music, the extra weight of the prop as well as the friction created by swinging it through the air could slow down the intended arm movements. Adjust the arm movements if necessary to help fit them with the music.

4. Draw figure-eights in the air with the pole held securely in your hand. Dip the banners and flags through the air to create a dramatic sweeping motion.

5. Twirl the pole over and around your hands and fingers like a baton to create a quick spinning sequence with the attached banners and flags.

6. Swing the banners and flags overhead and follow the motion by dipping your head or torso toward the ground while balancing your weight on one leg. Sweep the free leg in a fan kick arc toward the sky. Perform several pole sweeps followed by upside-down fan kicks for a dramatic visual effect.

References

• colorguardcentral.com: Color Guard Choreography
• angelfire.com: True Colors