Where Athletics Meets Art
The Crimson Blaze Color Guard is The Marching Elite Foundation's competitive color guard program, training youth ages 11-21 in the disciplines of flag, rifle, sabre, and dance. Color guard is the visual component of the marching arts — a unique blend of athleticism, artistry, and theatrical performance that transforms the field into a stage.
Our two-division program — Junior Crimson and the senior Crimson Blaze — provides a progressive pathway for performers to develop their skills and compete at increasingly advanced levels. Participants learn equipment technique, dance, choreography, and the art of visual storytelling through movement.
The Crimson Blaze competes in WGI-style competitions and performs with the Elite All-Stars Marching Band at outdoor events, bringing color and visual drama to every performance. Our instructors are experienced color guard educators and performers who bring both technical expertise and artistic vision to every rehearsal.
What Makes Crimson Blaze Different
- Authentic WGI-style competitive color guard — not just a sideline activity
- Three equipment disciplines: flag, rifle, and sabre
- Dance training integrated into every rehearsal
- Clear two-division pathway from beginner to national competitor
- Alumni have gone on to college color guard and independent winter guard
- No prior experience required — athletes from all backgrounds welcome
- Subsidized fees ensure access for every family
Program Details
A Path for Every Performer
Whether your child is brand new to color guard or ready to compete at the national level, there is a place for them in the Crimson Blaze family.
Junior Crimson
The entry point for aspiring color guard performers. Junior Crimson introduces young athletes to flag, rifle, and sabre technique in a supportive, high-energy environment. No prior experience is required — just commitment, athleticism, and a love of performance.
- Beginner-friendly entry
- Flag, rifle & sabre fundamentals
- Dance & movement training
- Performance opportunities
Crimson Blaze
The flagship competitive team. Crimson Blaze performs at regional and national WGI-style competitions, combining advanced equipment technique, dance, and theatrical storytelling into breathtaking visual performances. Alumni from this division have gone on to college color guard programs and independent winter guard circuits.
- Regional & national WGI-style competition
- Advanced equipment technique
- Theatrical storytelling & choreography
- College & independent circuit pathways
Six Disciplines, One Complete Performer
Our comprehensive curriculum develops well-rounded color guard performers who combine athletic precision with genuine artistic expression.
Flag Technique
The foundation of color guard — tosses, spins, and choreographed flag work that creates sweeping visual effects across the performance space.
Rifle Technique
Precision tossing, spinning, and catching of wooden rifles that demands focus, coordination, and split-second timing.
Sabre Technique
Advanced equipment work with sabres, combining technical precision with dramatic visual impact and theatrical expression.
Dance & Movement
Ballet, jazz, and contemporary dance training that builds the body awareness, flexibility, and expressive movement quality that distinguishes elite performers.
Choreography & Staging
Understanding how to move through formations, tell a visual story, and create the spatial designs that make color guard a theatrical art form.
Performance & Artistry
The intangibles — stage presence, emotional expression, and the ability to connect with an audience — that transform technique into unforgettable performance.
Where Crimson Blaze Takes You
The discipline, artistry, and competitive experience gained in Crimson Blaze opens doors that extend far beyond the performance floor.
College Color Guard
Alumni have gone on to perform with collegiate color guard programs at universities across the country, continuing their competitive journey.
Independent Winter Guard
Graduates compete on the independent WGI circuit with open-class and world-class winter guard ensembles — the highest level of the activity.
Professional Performance
Former Crimson Blaze performers have joined professional entertainment companies, live shows, and touring productions.
Arts Education
Graduates return as instructors, choreographers, and designers — giving back to the next generation of TME color guard performers.
Questions from Families
Still have questions? We're happy to help.
Ready to Join Crimson Blaze?
No prior color guard experience is required. We welcome athletes and performers of all backgrounds who are ready to commit to excellence.