Armada Academy
Color Guard Courses for all Levels
Armada Minis (Ages 6-10)
Discover the excitement of color guard in this fun and engaging class designed for young performers! This introductory program teaches the basics of dance, movement, and coordination using swing flags and props in a supportive, high-energy environment. Students will develop foundational skills in rhythm, teamwork, and performance while building confidence and creativity.
Throughout the year, participants will have the opportunity to showcase their skills in parades and featured performances within the local competition circuit. Whether your child loves to dance, spin, or just move to the music, this class is the perfect way to experience the magic of color guard! No experience necessary—just bring enthusiasm and a willingness to learn!
Performances may include:
- Emmett Cherry Festival Parade
- Meridian Dairy Days Parade
- Boise Independence Day Parade
- Eagle Fun Days Parade
- Boise Holiday Parade
- Idaho Indoor Circuit Championships
Armada Cadets: Junior Varsity (Ages 10-12)
Take your color guard skills to the next level with Armada Cadets Junior Varsity! This class is perfect for young performers looking to build on their dance and movement abilities while learning to spin a 5-foot flag with confidence and control. Students will refine their technique, develop performance skills, and grow as a team in a supportive and energetic environment.
Throughout the season, members will have the opportunity to perform in parades and featured exhibitions within the local competition circuit. Whether you’re continuing from a beginner class or trying color guard for the first time, Armada Cadets Junior Varsity is a great way to grow as a performer and be part of an exciting team! No prior experience required—just a positive attitude and a love for performing!
Performances may include:
- Emmett Cherry Festival Parade
- Meridian Dairy Days Parade
- Boise Independence Day Parade
- Eagle Fun Days Parade
- Boise Holiday Parade
- Idaho Indoor Circuit Championships
Armada Cadets: Varsity (Ages 12-15)
Armada Cadets Varsity is the perfect program for young performers ready to take the next step in their color guard journey! Building on the fundamentals of dance and flag work, this class introduces rifle technique and more advanced choreography to prepare students for the world of competitive guard. Members will refine their precision, coordination, and performance presence while learning the discipline and teamwork needed for success in a competitive setting.
With opportunities to perform in parades, local competitions, and featured exhibitions, Armada Cadets Varsity provides an exciting and challenging experience for dedicated performers. Whether you’re looking to advance to a high school or independent team, this program will equip you with the skills and confidence to shine on any stage! Prior experience is helpful but not required—just bring a strong work ethic and a passion for performance!
Performances may include:
- Emmett Cherry Festival Parade
- Meridian Dairy Days Parade
- Boise Independence Day Parade
- Eagle Fun Days Parade
- Boise Holiday Parade
- Idaho Indoor Circuit Championships
Guard Movement I (Ages 15+)
Strengthen your foundation as a performer with Guard Movement I, a specialized class designed to develop the dance skills essential for competitive color guard. This course focuses on flexibility, mobility, and body control while introducing fundamental and intermediate dance techniques used in high school, independent, and Open Class drum corps programs. Students will also learn basic tumbling skills to enhance their agility and confidence in movement. Some dance or marching experience is recommended.
Through structured training and guided instruction, performers will build strength, coordination, and artistry, preparing them for the physical demands of competitive guard. Whether you’re currently on a team or preparing for auditions, Guard Movement I will help elevate your performance and set you up for success in the world of color guard.
Curriculum includes:
- Partner weight sharing
- Beginning inversions
- Summersaults
- Sautee/Chasse
- Battement
- Sit roll
- Jetés/glissade/ tombe
Guard Movement II (Ages 15+)
Take your movement skills to the next level with Guard Movement II, an advanced training course designed for performers striving for excellence in competitive color guard. This class builds upon foundational techniques with a focus on intermediate and advanced dance skills, tumbling, flexibility, and mobility training. Students will also develop strength, balance, and artistry through weight-sharing partner work, enhancing their ability to move with precision and expression.
Ideal for those currently performing or auditioning for Independent A, Open, or World Class teams, advanced high school programs, or World Class drum corps, this course provides the technical training and physical conditioning necessary for high-level performance. Elevate your movement, expand your skill set, and refine your artistry in Guard Movement II! Prior experience with dance is required. If you are unsure which course would be best for your skill level, we recommend signing up for Movement I, and we will help assess which course would be most appropriate for your student’s experience level.
Curriculum includes:
- Partner weight sharing
- Pirouettes
- Sit rolls, ground rolls, advanced floor work
- Chaînes/ pique turns
- Barrel turns
- Directional Leaps
- Turning leaps
- Inversions, walkovers, dive rolls, handstands, head stands
Weapon Intensive: Rifle (Ages 15+)
Sharpen your rifle skills in Weapon Intensive: Rifle, a focused 12-week course designed for performers ready to build upon their foundational weapon technique. This class will refine essential rifle fundamentals while introducing intermediate and advanced skills, including complex toss variations, layered choreography, and precision drills to enhance control, consistency, and confidence.
Ideal for students with prior weapon experience, this intensive training will push performers to develop strength, accuracy, and artistry in their rifle work. Whether you’re preparing for a competitive team or looking to take your skills to the next level, Weapon Intensive: Rifle will provide the tools and training needed for success in high-level color guard performance.
Curriculum includes:
- Spin Exercise(bottoms, tops, double-time, spingles, and backhand)
- Toss Ladders (single-six)
- Tossing and catching from various points
- Horizontal and 45 tosses
Weapon Intensive: Sabre (Ages 15+)
Refine your sabre technique and take your skills to the next level in Weapon Intensive: Sabre, a 12-week course designed for performers with a basic understanding of weapon work. This class will focus on strengthening foundational sabre skills while introducing intermediate and advanced techniques, including intricate toss variations, blade control, and expressive choreography to enhance precision and artistry.
Ideal for students with prior weapon experience, this intensive training will help develop the strength, coordination, and confidence needed for high-level performance. Whether you’re preparing for a competitive team or looking to expand your skill set, Weapon Intensive: Sabre will provide the technique and training to elevate your performance.
Curriculum includes:
- Spin Exercise(double-time, spingles, and backhand)
- Hilt Madness
- Toss Ladders (single-six)
- Tossing and catching from various points
- Horizontal and 45 tosses
Flag Intensive (Ages 15+)
Master the art of flag in Flag Intensive, a 12-week course designed for performers ready to refine their technique and expand their skill set. This class will focus on strengthening foundational flag skills while introducing intermediate and advanced techniques, including layered choreography, complex toss variations, and dynamic movement integration to enhance precision, control, and expression.
Ideal for students looking to elevate their performance quality, this intensive training will help develop strength, coordination, and confidence in flag work. Whether you’re preparing for a competitive team or aiming to refine your technique, Flag Intensive will provide the tools and training to take your skills to the next level.
Curriculum includes:
- Double time spins
- Triplets
- Back hands
- Equipment with body
- 45 toss – single, 1.5, silk
- Lasso tosses
- Singles, 1.5. Doubles- with body
- Parallel/flat toss- with body
Skyward: Tricks and Tosses Masterclasses
Take your skills to new heights in Skyward: Tricks & Tosses Masterclass, a dynamic drop-in class designed for performers looking to master advanced tricks and tosses on flag, rifle, and sabre. With rotating expert instructors, each session will focus on specialized techniques, offering in-depth guidance on release points, rotations, catches, and aerial control.
Whether you’re perfecting a challenging trick or looking to expand your repertoire, this drop-in class provides a flexible, high-energy environment for performers to refine their skills with expert support. Drop in, level up, and push your limits in Skyward.