This specialised gear contains a light-weight material hooked up to a slender, sturdy shaft. It’s a important device utilized by performing ensembles for honing method and mastering choreography. For instance, a pupil may use this device to refine their spinning and tossing abilities in preparation for a efficiency.
The significance of this gear lies in its function in creating basic abilities and stopping performance-related accidents. The light-weight nature of the flag permits for prolonged follow periods with out undue pressure. Traditionally, the evolution of this gear displays the growing complexity and athleticism seen in fashionable performances.
The following sections will delve deeper into the precise supplies used, the widespread dimensions employed, and the upkeep practices vital for guaranteeing longevity.
1. Weight distribution
The colour guard performer stood poised, flag in hand, daylight glinting off the polished pole. Her preliminary makes an attempt have been clumsy, tosses wobbling and spins missing grace. The trainer, a veteran of numerous performances, approached, his gaze fastened on the flags movement. “The issue,” he acknowledged, “shouldn’t be power, however stability. You might be preventing the flag, not guiding it.” He defined how the load distributionthe refined shift of mass between the material, the pole, and the performers gripwas the important thing. An excessive amount of weight on the highest, and the spin grew to become unwieldy; too little, and the toss misplaced its arc. Right weight distribution transforms a cumbersome object into an extension of the performer’s personal physique.
Contemplate the precise instance of a ‘flat spin’. The purpose is a rotation parallel to the bottom, the material a blur of colour. Obtain this solely by meticulous consideration to weight. A slight adjustment in grip, shifting the fulcrum level, could be the distinction between a clear rotation and a disastrous wobble. Equally, in a toss, understanding the distribution permits the performer to impart the exact quantity of drive required, leading to constant peak and rotation. A efficiency seen on-line illustrated this vividly; a group initially fighting synchronicity started attaining flawless execution as soon as their instructors addressed the inconsistencies in weight distribution throughout particular person flags.
In essence, mastering gear for colour guard comes from weight distribution that permits management. Challenges stay, reminiscent of adapting to various flag sizes or battling fatigue, nevertheless, the precept stays fixed: a balanced flag is a managed flag, and a managed flag is the important thing to efficient, and emotive efficiency. Weight distribution supplies the inspiration upon which each different ability is constructed.
2. Grip method
The connection between a performer and the flag is cast by the grip. It’s the preliminary level of contact, the conduit by which drive, management, and artistry move. And not using a stable method, the remainder of the actions turn out to be workouts in futility.
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The Basis of Management
The grip serves because the linchpin for all subsequent actions. A correct grip supplies the soundness essential to execute advanced spins, tosses, and catches with precision. A free grip introduces instability, resulting in dropped flags and disjointed routines. The story of the winter guard group that constantly faltered through the nationwide championships revealed this reality: their elaborate choreography was undermined by inconsistent grips, inflicting flags to slide at vital moments.
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The Fulcrum of Energy
The grip shouldn’t be merely about holding on; it is about leveraging drive. Totally different grips are suited to totally different actions. A ‘energy grip,’ the place the whole hand encircles the pole, generates most drive for highly effective tosses. A ‘management grip,’ utilizing fingertips and a lighter maintain, permits for nuanced changes throughout delicate spins. Contemplate the performer fighting a double toss; the adjustment from a typical grip to a barely modified one, focusing drive by the index finger, yielded the required peak and rotation.
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The Communicator of Artistry
Past management and energy, the grip conveys artistry. A tense, inflexible grip interprets right into a compelled and unnatural efficiency. A relaxed, fluid grip permits for refined changes, mirroring the emotion of the music and the intent of the choreography. An observer at a regional competitors famous the distinction between two items: one carried out technically flawless routines with stiff grips, whereas the opposite, with looser, extra expressive grips, related with the viewers on an emotional degree.
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The Guardian of Security
A safe grip is essential for security. A dropped flag may cause damage, particularly in shut formations. Right grip placement minimizes the chance of slippage and permits the performer to take care of management even underneath duress. A former colour guard captain recounted an incident the place a fast adjustment to her grip prevented a catastrophic collision throughout a difficult maneuver, highlighting the significance of educated reflexes and a safe maintain.
In essence, grip method, when contemplating the colour guard follow flag with pole, goes far past the easy act of holding. It’s the basis, the fulcrum, the communicator, and the guardian of efficiency. Grasp the grip, and the flag turns into an extension of the self, a device for self-expression, and a weapon towards error.
3. Spin management
The gymnasium hummed with centered vitality. Every member of the colour guard moved with precision, their flags arcs of vibrant colour towards the muted backdrop. However one performer struggled. Her spins have been uneven, her flag wobbling precariously, threatening to disrupt the fastidiously choreographed routine. This wasn’t a scarcity of power; it was a deficiency in spin management, the artwork of manipulating the flag and pole to realize desired rotations with accuracy and beauty.
Spin management, at its core, is a fragile stability of drive, angle, and timing utilized to the gear. It dictates not simply the velocity of the rotation, but additionally its stability and consistency. A slight shift in hand place, a refined adjustment in wrist motion, or a minute variation within the level of contact with the pole can dramatically alter the spin’s trajectory. A visiting teacher, a former world champion, noticed the struggling performer and provided a easy piece of recommendation: “Really feel the pole. Perceive its weight. Let it information you.” She demonstrated how a refined stress utilized to the pole might right the wobble, how a slight adjustment in hand place might amplify the spin’s momentum. The distinction was instantly seen. The performer’s spins grew to become smoother, extra managed, extra visually interesting.
The importance of spin management extends past aesthetics. It’s basic to security. Uncontrolled spins can result in dropped flags, collisions with different performers, and even accidents. Furthermore, spin management is integral to the general narrative of the routine. A wonderfully executed spin can emphasize a musical crescendo, spotlight a dramatic second, or create a charming visible impact. The colour guard follow flag with pole serves because the medium by which spin management is achieved, remodeling a easy piece of apparatus right into a device for storytelling and inventive expression. With out mastery of spin management, the complete potential of a efficiency stays unrealized, a symphony of motion lowered to a collection of disconnected actions.
4. Cloth move
The gymnasium air held a stillness that belied the vitality about to be unleashed. Every flag lay furled, inert, a possible ready to be realized. The director raised a hand, the music started, and with a flick of the wrist, the material billowed to life. This was the essence of material move: the dynamic interplay between the fabric of the flag and the performer’s intent, mediated by the colour guard follow flag with pole. A poorly weighted flag, a inflexible grip, and lack of coordination all contribute to a failure to indicate this essence, leading to a static, uninspired efficiency.
The material’s motion shouldn’t be merely a consequence of the pole’s rotation. It’s a fastidiously orchestrated dance, a negotiation between inertia and momentum. Contemplate the ripple impact that flows down the size of the flag throughout a ‘liquid silk’ maneuver. This visible wave shouldn’t be unintended; it’s the results of exact hand actions and meticulous management over the material’s beginning place. The story of a struggling colour guard unit illustrates this level. Initially, their routines have been marred by tangled material and unpredictable shapes. Nevertheless, after dedicating hours to mastering the nuances of material move, they remodeled their efficiency, creating mesmerizing patterns that captivated the viewers.
In the end, the interplay of material move and colour guard follow flag with pole is the canvas on which artistry is painted. The pole supplies the construction, the inspiration, however the material supplies the voice. Via manipulation of the material, performers talk emotion, inform tales, and evoke a way of surprise. The best performances usually are not people who display technical prowess, however people who harness the material’s expressive potential to create a really unforgettable expertise. The problem lies in recognizing that the flag shouldn’t be merely an object to be manipulated, however a companion in a collaborative inventive endeavor.
5. Pole stability
Inside the realm of colour guard, the follow flag and pole exist as a single unit, an extension of the performer’s physique. Vital to mastering this extension is knowing and sustaining equilibrium. Pole stability, the seemingly easy act of protecting the equipment upright and managed, is the linchpin upon which all different abilities rely. With out it, spins turn out to be wobbly, tosses fall brief, and the general efficiency lacks the fluidity and beauty that defines the artwork kind.
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The Physics of Equilibrium
Pole stability is rooted in physics. The performer should perceive the middle of gravity, the distribution of weight between the flag and the pole, and the forces appearing upon the equipment. A slight breeze, an uneven flooring, or perhaps a minor shift in posture can disrupt this stability, requiring fixed changes. Contemplate the novice performer struggling to take care of management throughout an out of doors follow session; the wind buffets the flag, pulling the pole off-center, forcing the performer to compensate with refined shifts in grip and physique weight. This fixed negotiation with the forces of nature highlights the dynamic nature of pole stability.
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The Artwork of Compensation
Good stability is never achievable; as an alternative, expert performers grasp the artwork of compensation. They anticipate imbalances and react accordingly, utilizing refined actions of their fingers, arms, and physique to take care of management. Think about a performer executing a posh toss; because the pole ascends, its middle of gravity shifts, requiring a continuing readjustment of grip and posture to make sure a easy catch. This skill to anticipate and compensate for imbalances is what separates the seasoned performer from the newbie.
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Stability as Basis for Choreography
Choreography is intricately linked to pole stability. Routines are designed to showcase the equipment in movement whereas demanding exact management. Complicated spins, excessive tosses, and complex catches all depend on the performer’s skill to take care of equilibrium all through the execution of the motion. Visible evaluation of award profitable routines reveal intricate sections the place stability is examined at each flip. Any lapse in pole stability at vital moments has an excessive and noticeable unfavorable affect to the general impact.
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Psychological Focus and Bodily Instinct
Sustaining pole stability requires not solely bodily ability but additionally intense psychological focus. Performers should be conscious about their physique place, the load of the flag and pole, and the encompassing surroundings. Nevertheless, this consciousness should be tempered with instinct, permitting them to react instinctively to sudden imbalances. Seasoned performers usually describe a way of “feeling” the pole, an virtually preternatural consciousness of its place and trajectory. This intuitive understanding permits them to react with velocity and precision, sustaining stability even underneath excessive stress.
The interaction of physics, compensation, choreographic integration, and psychological focus reveals that pole stability is excess of a easy ability. It’s a basis upon which all different points of colour guard efficiency are constructed. Mastering the stability of the colour guard follow flag with pole permits the performer to transcend the constraints of the bodily world and create moments of breathtaking artistry.
6. Toss trajectory
The indoor area held its breath. Daylight, filtering by the excessive home windows, illuminated mud motes dancing within the air, momentarily distracting from the extraordinary focus etched on the faces beneath. A colour guard performer stood poised, the flag, an extension of her will, gripped firmly. The music swelled, a crescendo constructing to the second of launch. All eyes adopted because the flag left her hand, a projectile arcing in the direction of an unseen apex. The success or failure of this motion hinged on a single, immutable precept: toss trajectory. The story of numerous hours of follow distilled into this single, fleeting arc.
Toss trajectory, in its essence, is the predictable path of the flag and pole because it travels by the air, ruled by physics, refined by method, and finally, judged by artistry. A slight deviation in angle, a minuscule alteration in drive, can remodel a hovering masterpiece right into a disastrous drop. One remembers the regional competitors the place a seemingly flawless routine was marred by a collection of errant tosses, the flags plummeting to the ground like damaged guarantees. The following evaluation revealed not a scarcity of athleticism, however a basic misunderstanding of the connection between launch angle and desired peak. The colour guard follow flag with pole grew to become, in that second, a stark reminder of the significance of precision.
Mastering toss trajectory requires an intimate understanding of the gear, the flag and pole working in unison. The pole’s weight, the flag’s floor space, the encompassing air currentsall contribute to the complexity of the equation. But, past the physics lies the artistry. A wonderfully executed toss shouldn’t be merely correct; it’s expressive, a visible metaphor for the music, the choreography, the emotion of the efficiency. It’s a silent dialogue between the performer and the viewers, a testomony to the facility of dedication and the pursuit of perfection. The research of toss trajectory, when intertwined with using a colour guard follow flag with pole, permits the performer to make the flag turn out to be part of themselves.
7. Sturdiness
Within the demanding sphere of colour guard, the place inventive expression meets athletic precision, gear endures relentless stress. The very essence of a colour guard follow flag with pole’s worth lies in its skill to resist repeated use, impacts, and environmental publicity. Contemplate the worn however dependable gear of a small-town colour guard program; every ripstop nylon flag, every meticulously taped pole, bears the scars of numerous follow periods underneath the cruel summer season solar and in drafty winter gyms. These are testaments to the required fortitude inherent within the device.
The impact of compromising on element high quality is a cycle of recurring bills and, critically, diminished follow time. The tearing of a flag mid-routine, a snapped pole throughout a vital toss these incidents spotlight how important sturdiness is. Respected producers make investments closely in supplies science, searching for materials immune to fraying and poles able to withstanding important bending forces. Some use aircraft-grade aluminum within the poles, and others reinforce stress factors with specialised stitching. When the gear of the colour guard follow flag with pole fails, it usually does so on the worst potential second, undermining confidence and momentum, which causes efficiency to endure.
Due to this fact, whereas aesthetics and efficiency traits are essential, sturdiness stays a paramount consideration. It ensures that the colour guard follow flag with pole serves its function reliably and constantly. Addressing the problem of balancing price with longevity requires cautious analysis of supplies, development strategies, and the depth of supposed use. The funding in sturdy gear is an funding in this system’s stability, permitting performers to give attention to mastering their craft relatively than contending with gear failure.
8. Security measures
The gymnasium echoed with the rhythmic thud of flags hitting the padded flooring, a sound acquainted and comforting to the members of the colour guard. Nevertheless, this night, a special sound shattered the tranquility: a pointy crack, adopted by a cry of ache. A younger performer, making an attempt a troublesome toss, had misplaced management of the flag. The pole, weakened by unseen stress fractures, snapped on affect, hanging her arm. This incident, although remoted, served as a stark reminder that security measures, usually neglected within the pursuit of inventive excellence, are paramount when working with a colour guard follow flag with pole. A seemingly innocuous piece of apparatus can turn out to be a supply of potential damage if correct precautions usually are not noticed. The instant aftermath concerned ice packs, involved faces, and a radical examination of the remaining flags, a tangible manifestation of the cause-and-effect relationship between negligence and hurt.
The colour guard director, a seasoned veteran of numerous performances, instantly applied stricter protocols. Common gear inspections grew to become necessary, with broken flags and poles instantly faraway from service. Coaching periods integrated drills centered on secure dealing with strategies, emphasizing correct grip, managed actions, and consciousness of surrounding performers. The seemingly mundane act of checking for frayed material or free tape now carried a newfound significance, a silent acknowledgement of the potential penalties of oversight. The shift in mindset was palpable; security remodeled from an afterthought into an integral element of each follow session. Moreover, adherence to acceptable spacing necessities throughout advanced maneuvers grew to become a non-negotiable rule, minimizing the chance of collisions and unintended strikes. The director usually remarked, “A wonderful routine is meaningless if it comes at the price of somebody’s well-being.”
In the end, security measures related to a colour guard follow flag with pole usually are not merely a algorithm to be adopted, however a tradition to be cultivated. It requires fixed vigilance, a willingness to prioritize precaution over ambition, and a collective dedication to defending the well-being of each performer. The incident within the gymnasium served as a catalyst for change, remodeling a bunch of devoted athletes right into a group that understood the profound accountability that accompanies the pursuit of inventive excellence. The colour guard follow flag with pole, as soon as seen solely as a device for self-expression, grew to become an emblem of the fragile stability between artistry and security, a continuing reminder that well-being should all the time take priority.
9. Storage strategies
The dimly lit storage room, an area usually neglected, held the silent sentinels of numerous performances: the colour guard follow flags with poles. Right here, storage strategies transcended mere tidiness, turning into an act of preservation. The flags, vibrant canvases of silk and nylon, and the poles, extensions of human grace, have been susceptible to the ravages of time and neglect. Improper storage invited moisture, fostering mildew that dulled the colours and weakened the material. Careless stacking resulted in bent poles, compromising their structural integrity. One noticed this firsthand at a rural highschool, the place flags have been piled haphazardly in a humid nook of the gymnasium. The consequence was a group of pale, musty materials and warped poles, unusable for efficiency and a stark testomony to the results of disregard.
Devoted applications, in distinction, understood that considerate storage was integral to the longevity and efficiency readiness of their gear. Flags have been meticulously folded or rolled, then saved in breathable garment luggage to protect them from mud and moisture. Poles have been fastidiously aligned in racks, stopping bending and warping. Local weather-controlled environments have been most popular, sustaining constant temperature and humidity ranges to attenuate degradation. The impact was noticeable: flags retained their vibrancy, poles remained straight and true, and the gear was constantly performance-ready. The distinction was hanging: the uncared for flags and poles of the agricultural highschool versus the pristine assortment of a well-funded program, a visual embodiment of the affect of storage strategies.
The sensible significance of understanding and implementing acceptable storage strategies extends past mere price financial savings. It displays a deeper respect for the artwork kind and the dedication of the performers. Storing colour guard follow flags with poles responsibly shouldn’t be merely about stopping injury; it is about honoring the trouble and creativity invested in every efficiency. Its a gesture of respect to the gear itself, recognizing the connection between preservation and efficiency.
Steadily Requested Questions
The world of colour guard, with its intricate choreography and demanding athleticism, usually raises questions, particularly in regards to the important gear: the follow flag and pole. These queries, arising from each newcomers and seasoned performers, deserve clear and regarded solutions. What follows are a few of the commonest, addressed with the seriousness the topic calls for.
Query 1: How does the load of a follow flag affect a performer’s coaching?
Think about two aspiring colour guard members: one trains with a flag far heavier than regulation, believing it is going to construct power. The opposite makes use of a flag meticulously weighted for stability and management. The previous, whereas creating some muscle, additionally dangers damage and ingrained dangerous habits. The latter, nevertheless, cultivates method, precision, and the nuanced management vital for superior maneuvers. The burden of a follow flag shouldn’t be about brute drive; it’s about fostering finesse.
Query 2: What’s the anticipated lifespan of a follow pole, and the way can or not it’s maximized?
A follow pole, subjected to fixed stress, has a finite lifespan. Nevertheless, that lifespan could be considerably prolonged by cautious dealing with and correct upkeep. A program that neglects its poles, permitting them to be carelessly dropped and improperly saved, will discover itself continually changing damaged gear. Conversely, a program that emphasizes cautious dealing with, common inspections for injury, and correct storage will get pleasure from years of service from its poles. The distinction lies not simply within the preliminary price of the gear, however within the dedication to its repairs.
Query 3: Are there particular kinds of material really helpful for follow flags, and why?
The selection of material for a follow flag shouldn’t be arbitrary. A flimsy, simply torn materials will shortly degrade underneath the pains of day by day use. A heavier, extra sturdy material, reminiscent of ripstop nylon, presents higher resistance to put on and tear, guaranteeing an extended lifespan. This alternative shouldn’t be merely about economics; it is about offering performers with a dependable device that permits them to give attention to their method with out the fixed distraction of broken gear.
Query 4: What function does the pole’s grip play in stopping accidents throughout follow?
The pole’s grip is greater than only a place to carry on; it’s the interface between the performer and the gear. A worn or improperly taped grip can result in slippage, inflicting dropped flags and probably severe accidents. Conversely, a well-maintained grip, offering a safe and comfy maintain, permits the performer to take care of management and react shortly to sudden actions. The grip is a small element, however one with important penalties.
Query 5: How usually ought to follow flags and poles be inspected for injury?
The frequency of apparatus inspections is straight proportional to the depth of use. A colour guard program that practices day by day ought to examine its flags and poles earlier than every session. A program that practices much less regularly can conduct inspections weekly. Whatever the schedule, inspections should be thorough, searching for frayed material, free tape, cracks within the pole, and every other indicators of wear and tear and tear. Neglecting these inspections is akin to driving a automotive with worn tires; it is just a matter of time earlier than catastrophe strikes.
Query 6: Can the size of the follow pole have an effect on a performer’s improvement?
The size of the follow pole shouldn’t be a one-size-fits-all proposition. A pole that’s too lengthy for a performer could be unwieldy and troublesome to regulate, hindering their progress. A pole that’s too brief can restrict their vary of movement and forestall them from creating correct method. The perfect pole size is one that’s appropriately sized for the performer’s peak and ability degree, permitting them to execute actions with precision and management. Cautious consideration and adjustment are key to realizing a performer’s potential.
In essence, these questions spotlight the multifaceted nature of the follow flag and pole. They don’t seem to be merely objects; they’re instruments that demand respect, cautious consideration, and a dedication to security and longevity. Neglecting these points is akin to neglecting the inspiration upon which all colour guard efficiency is constructed.
The following part will delve into particular drills and workouts designed to enhance flag and pole dealing with abilities.
Ideas for Mastering the Coloration Guard Observe Flag with Pole
Mastery of this significant gear on the planet of colour guard requires devoted follow and a nuanced understanding of method. These following suggestions, gleaned from years of expertise, present a roadmap for attaining proficiency, remodeling the colour guard follow flag with pole from a easy object right into a device of inventive expression.
Tip 1: Set up a Basis of Correct Grip: The grip is greater than only a maintain; it’s the level of contact by which all management flows. A free grip invitations instability, whereas a tense grip inhibits fluidity. Experiment with totally different hand placements to seek out the stability that permits for each energy and precision. Visualize the pole as an extension of the arm, and alter the grip accordingly.
Tip 2: Prioritize Constant Spin Management: A wobbly spin is a distraction, breaking the move of the routine. Give attention to sustaining a constant rotation velocity, utilizing refined changes of the wrist and fingers to right any deviations. Think about the pole because the hand of a clock, shifting easily and predictably round its axis.
Tip 3: Domesticate Cloth Consciousness: The flag’s material shouldn’t be merely ornamental; it’s an energetic participant within the efficiency. Develop an understanding of how the material responds to totally different actions, and use that data to create visually interesting shapes and patterns. Consider the material as water, flowing and adapting to the contours of the air.
Tip 4: Emphasize Balanced Toss Trajectory: A poorly executed toss can disrupt the whole efficiency, undermining the choreography and probably inflicting damage. Observe throwing the flag with a constant angle and drive, specializing in attaining a predictable arc. Image the flag as a projectile, launched with precision and function.
Tip 5: Combine Physique Motion with Tools Dealing with: The colour guard follow flag with pole shouldn’t be an remoted entity; it’s an extension of the performer’s physique. Observe integrating flag work with footwork, posture, and facial expressions, making a seamless and expressive efficiency. Think about the flag as part of the physique, shifting in excellent concord with each muscle and bone.
Tip 6: Preserve Common Tools Inspection: A broken flag or pole is a legal responsibility, growing the chance of damage and hindering efficiency. Examine gear earlier than every follow session, searching for frayed material, free tape, or cracks within the pole. Restore or substitute broken gear instantly, prioritizing security above all else. Consider the gear as one’s instrument. Like a musician cares for theirs, so too ought to a performer in colour guard.
Tip 7: Give attention to Gradual Development: Making an attempt advanced maneuvers earlier than mastering the fundamentals is a recipe for frustration and damage. Begin with easy spins and tosses, step by step growing the problem as ability and confidence develop. Rome wasn’t inbuilt a day, nor the artwork of colour guard.
By internalizing the following pointers, the performer strikes the colour guard follow flag with pole from a easy, on a regular basis device into the realm of inventive expression. The flag turns into a medium with which to discover, and the efficiency opens to new potentialities.
The following step will contain discussing how one can construct a routine.
Conclusion
The journey by the intricacies of the colour guard follow flag with pole has revealed a much more advanced relationship than mere performer and prop. It’s a symbiosis constructed on physics, artistry, and unwavering dedication. From the foundational grip to the hovering trajectory of a superbly executed toss, every component underscores the dedication required to grasp this distinctive artwork kind. The sturdiness of the gear mirrors the resilience of the performers, whereas the meticulous storage strategies replicate a deep respect for the craft. Security protocols turn out to be not simply guidelines, however tenets of care and accountability.
The follow flag and pole, due to this fact, transcends its materials composition. It embodies potential, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence. As the ultimate be aware of the music fades, and the lights dim on the efficiency flooring, the true measure of success lies not simply in technical ability, however within the ardour and dedication etched into each spin, each toss, and each swish motion. It’s a testomony to the transformative energy of self-discipline and the unwavering spirit of those that dare to precise themselves by the dynamic language of colour and movement. The following era will proceed this artwork kind and the follow flag and pole is their medium.
