The first thing we think about dance is the choreography.
We consider a routine or number an excellent dance if the group of dancers shows mastery of their dance steps, formation, and stunts. All these should ideally represent the lyrics and emotion of the music they perform.
However, not everyone takes notice of the costume and props.
Most of us could think of them as a “plus” factor to the dance but has a lesser impact on the entire routine itself. However, did you know these could be the deciding factor during a competition in case of a tie? Both costume and props are as important in a dance production as choreography.
DrillDance Australia even has a category that highlights more on the use of props.
DrillDance is a dancing competition in Australia wherein teams perform heart-pumping and top-notch dance routines. Teams or groups compete in different categories, with varied age groups per category. One of their most exciting competitions is the Prop DrillDance.
Prop DrillDance is not your ordinary dance competition, as it highlights the use of props more than the dance steps. According to their website, this category “is the medium for teams to be creative within the realm of a drill/dance/rhythmic type routine with the emphasis being on the skillful use of props and precision in movement, performed to the music of the team’s choice.”
Black Diamonds DrillDance is one of the long-running dance teams in the competition.
Established in 1989, the group participates in the competition in different age categories. One of their iconic performances was their Prop DrillDance using feathers in half-circle fan shapes.
Their winning performance to Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody was breathtaking.
They started their performance strong, as their movements matched well with the song’s dramatic intro. You can see how they move in every note of the music without overdoing it. The feathers have a delicate and gentle touch, moving beautifully along as Queen’s melody holds the high notes.
They transitioned to the third verse, where the tempo was more upbeat.
Black Diamonds’ performance got more exciting as their prop movements were more complicated. The delicateness of the feather (which waves with the slightest movements) and the fast tempo increased the difficulty of this performance. But the group did not waver.
The faster tempo was even more apt to their props as it tested their mastery and precision.
They even sprinkled a touch of whimsy in their performance as a member popped out and shook their feathers at every “Galileo!” in that song. And when they reached the “Bismillah! No, we will not let you go” part? Their movements got more creative and pleasing to the eyes.
They finished their performance with a bang!
The crowd went wild as the song reached the outro, and the group formed a downward spiral using their feather fans. They moved in circles – counterclockwise, then clockwise – to further highlight their mastery of the props. It moved so beautifully; no wonder they went home as winners.
Watch their full performance below. Do you think it was championship-worthy?
