Programming, Continued

Apparently “dropping the base” can have something to do with describing how one creates a routine and, while that may have some sort of relevance at the moment, this description could very well have lost its meaning in a short time. I’ll stick with terms that designers have used for decades.

Below, are the Seven Parts of and Exhibition Drill Routine from the article I wrote of the same name. See that article for an in-depth look at each part. This will help you break down a routine in the creation process.

1. The Opening Statement
2. Up to the Report-in
3. After Report-in
4. The Routine Body
5. Before Report-out
6. After Report-out
7. The Closing Statement

See also the article, Where’s the Power and put the two pieces of information together for a better understanding of what should happen and when.

Note: being able to only enter and exit from one specific area severely limits the mixing of the above identified seven parts and the power areas of the drill deck (area, floor, pad).

Variety in Programming Creates Intrigue/Excitement
A routine that has one tempo will not hold the audience for very long. Visually speaking: highs and lows; excitement and rest are necessary to create effectiveness in your routine.

There are three types of effect (from The WDA Adjudication Manual):

• The intellectual aspect of effect is reflected in the range and quality of the design.
• The aesthetic aspect of effect involves the ability to capture and hold the audience’s attention through the manipulation of familiarity and expectations (think: “surprise”). Aesthetic effect may resonate with a larger percentage of a general audience.
• The emotional effect is the planned response to stimuli that is designed, coordinated and staged for the purpose of evoking a specific, planned reaction.

When, where, how and why effects occur successfully, involves:

• Manner of presentation (how the effect was created — equipment, staging, movement alone or combined)
• Pacing (the “when” factor of planned effects. How far apart, how often, how large is the effect?)
• Continuity (the development, connection and evolution of planned effects)
• Staging (where each effect is placed on the stage–highlighting, focus, interaction of effects, etc.)
• Coordination (how all elements work together to heighten the effect)
• Impact points (the beginning of important visual ideas)
• Resolutions. (the completion of important visual ideas)

There is so much more to programming that everyone should know, pick up a copy of The WDA Adjudication Manual and read, read, read! Educating yourself will give you the edge you need to create the most effective routines!