2026 BLUE KNIGHTS
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WELCOME to the 2026 edition of the Dot Book for Colorguard!
Thank you for your interest in auditioning for the Blue Knights! The information and philosophies in this packet are designed to make you a better at your craft, allow us to start with the same mindset and approach, and prepare you to have a successful audition process.
Please note, this is not the ONLY or RIGHT approach, it’s just how we choose to teach at the Blue Knights. Be open to different ideas and try to learn as much as you can. The staff is here to help you but at the same time, we must evaluate every individual objectively and do what’s best for the team. You will get feedback and some constructive criticism throughout the process.
Keep in mind, you are auditioning at all times! Be professional and stay mentally engaged!
The staff is looking for a good attitude, work-ethic, skill sets, physical abilities, preparedness, receptiveness, presence, and performance quality. It is not only about how you are as a performer, but also how you are as a human. Sometimes, a good personality can be the deciding factor. At the same time, it is imperative that you are striving for personal greatness and individual clarity. We must have perfect individual clarity for us to achieve ensemble clarity.
The Blue Knights are looking for members who are performers first - driven, humble, technically proficient, prepared, and most importantly teachable. Have confidence in your abilities and strive to improve your weaknesses.
For any questions regarding the content of this packet or music, feel free to email:
Brandy DuBose - Colorguard Caption Head
Ashley Schmit - Caption Manager
Let’s get started...
Approach
At the Blue Knights, we believe we have an approach to colorguard that is guided by design, storytelling, and performance intent. Technique is not about one “right” or “wrong” way — instead, it is a collection of tools used to achieve a variety of visual, physical, and emotional effects.
We focus on what movement and equipment work should feel like in your body in order to create the look and performance quality we are striving for. Every performer has a unique body structure, background, and strengths. We value authenticity, expression, and the ability to adapt to different choreographic and design demands. There is a collective responsibility; to demonstrate these ideas with clarity and unity, working together toward the competitive and artistic success of the ensemble. We will always provide guidelines and a strong foundation, but our ultimate goal is for you to feel confident and empowered while performing.
When the ensemble works toward the same design and performance intent, uniformity and clarity naturally emerge. If an individual’s technique prevents them from achieving the desired look, effect, or performance quality, we will make the necessary adjustments to support their growth.
This process begins with establishing a base foundation of movement and equipment training. From that foundation, performers gain the freedom to explore nuance, artistry, and dynamic range. In the end, it is the combination of strong technique, adaptability, and authentic performance that defines the Blue Knights Colorguard.
What to Expect/Bring
The success you have during the audition, and overall success of the Colorguard is heavily dependent on the amount of preparation you do beforehand. A couple of practice tips:
• Practice every day in order to build the muscles necessary
• Don’t try to procrastinate, plan and prepare
• Practice with PROPER technique
• It does you no good to “get through it” with bad technique
• Get in front of a mirror
• Pay close attention to the details of your pathways, hand placements, etc.
• USE A METRONOME!
• Record yourself
• Great practice tool is to watch yourself and see what you are doing in real time
• Use the “Slow-Motion” tool
Most of the audition material will come from the exercises provided in this packet; however, you may also be given new choreography or combinations on the fly. This helps us see how well you adapt, process information, and demonstrate mental fortitude in a fast-paced environment.
At any point during auditions, you may be asked to demonstrate something in front of others. Please understand this is not meant to humiliate you — rather, it gives us an opportunity to see how you respond under pressure, how you approach corrections, or to use you as an example of how to execute something successfully.
• Wear dance attire / athletic clothes / shoes
• Wear your hair up and out of your face
• Fuel your body prior to camp to make sure you are ready for the altitude/weather difference of Denver or the area for the camps.
Again, this is not the end-all, be-all for technique. This is just a compilation of all the things we consider at the Blue Knights, and a set of “guidelines” to adhere to. In the end, you are here to play and make some music so have some fun!
Auditions
No matter the piece of equipment you are auditioning on – flag, rifle, or sabre - quality of performance is the most important aspect of what we do. Please be able to demonstrate all exercise with strong technique, dynamic performance energy, and a clear connection to the audience.
It is imperative that all colorguard members develop and maintain excellent timing and ensemble awareness. We encourage you to rehearse with music or a metronome to develop a keen sense of internal pulse and phrasing. Use these tools creatively, not as a crutch = experiment with different tempos, counts, and music styles to push your adaptability.
Colorguard performance has an important physical demand factor. In fact, your movement quality, strength, and stamina are directly tied to your ability to spin, toss, and dance with consistency. Your focus should be geared towards mastery of technique so you can build endurance, strength and control. Incorrect mechanics will lead to injury and limit your performance range. Practice slowly and with intention before building speed and endurance. The clarity of our ensemble is of the utmost importance here at the Blue Knights. A performer must demonstrate the ability to blend, adjust, and match body and equipment work within the larger group immediately. With correct technique as a foundation, uniformity and ensemble excellence become the most important facets of our colorguard approach.
The packet is a baseline formula that will allow for variation and adaptation. These variations will test your ability to apply strong technique in new contexts, adapt quickly, and explore fresh performance concepts. Any variation you can imagine, we’ll likely explore in the audition process.
