Principles of a Visual Performance

The term “visual performance” has different meanings depending on the context in which it is used. For our purposes, we will concentrate on the principles involved in performance based in dance, (marching band) color guard, and military exhibition drill.

In this context, the performance principles concentrate on the aesthetic and impactful presentation of movement.

Key Principles in Visual Performance

• Precision and Synchronization:
  • In the discipline of military drill, exactness is paramount. Movements must be perfectly timed and executed in unison and ripple to create a cohesive and visually striking effect.
• Spatial Awareness and Formation:
  • Location. How performers use the space is crucial.
  • Orientation. Some formations are clearer when perpendicular or parallel to the audience.
  • Visually appealing formations.
  • Transitions between formations.
  • Utilizing staggered formation levels (low, medium, high) and body performance levels (arm movement and spinning a rifle below the waistline, at chest level, and over the head) to add depth.
• Line and Shape:
  • The lines and shapes created by the performers’ bodies are fundamental to the visual impact. This includes straight lines, curves, angles, and the overall silhouette of the group.
• Dynamics and Energy:
  • The force and quality of movement contribute significantly to the visual performance.
  • Variations of:
    • Speed (slow, quick).
    • Intensity (strong, soft).
    • Flow (hard, soft).
• Visual Focus and Eye Lines:
  • Where the performers’ gaze is directed can create a powerful visual connection with the audience. Consistent eye lines and focused attention enhance the impact of the performance.
    • Shifting focus (eye line) – where the head turns is where the focus is. An arm move can be powerful, and an arm move with the head turning with it can intensify the movement.
• Costume and Presentation:
  • Uniforms play a vital role in enhancing the visual effect. Colors, textures, and designs can accentuate movement and create a unified aesthetic.
    • Consider the color of the stripe on the trousers, the gloves, shoulder cord(s), spats, leggings, belts, and ascots.
• Rhythm and Timing:
  • The relationship between movement and rhythm is essential. Whether it’s the beat of music or the cadence of commands, precise timing is crucial for a compelling visual performance.
• Clarity of Movement = Clear Communication:
  • Each movement must be clean and defined. There should be no sloppy or unclear actions, as this will detract from the overall visual impact.
• Storytelling and Expression:
  • Even in abstract forms like drill, there’s often an element of storytelling or emotional expression. Performers convey meaning through their movements and facial expressions.
    • You actually take on a role that is not you when you march on a drill team. This persona is a team members who works with the other eight members to create a performance.
    • The “story” you tell on a military drill team is the service’s history and present. Your uniform has significant meaning.

For the military drill team, “visual performance” is about creating a captivating and impactful experience for the audience through the artful arrangement of movement.