About Étude Winter Guard

Étude Winter Guard is an Independent World Class performing ensemble dedicated to pushing the boundaries of artistry, athleticism, and storytelling. With a passion for innovation and excellence, we strive to create emotionally compelling productions that leave a lasting impact.

For the 2025 season, Étude is proud to present Wild Geese, inspired by the beloved poem by Mary Oliver. This production explores themes of freedom, belonging, and self-discovery, brought to life through stunning choreography, evocative design, and powerful movement.

Under the direction of Brian Franco-Winn and artistic direction by Byron Valentine, Étude is supported by a talented team of designers, choreographers, and technicians who bring our vision to life. We are grateful for the unwavering support of our sponsors—FJM, Inc., Digital Performance Gear, and Designs by King—who help make our journey possible.

Join us as we take flight with Wild Geese and continue our legacy of excellence in performance and storytelling.

OUR HISTORY

  • 2005

    Here Comes the Flood

    CWEA Independent A Class Champion
    WGI Independent A Class Semi-finalist

  • 2006

    Yesterday

    CWEA Independent A Class Champion
    WGI Independent A Class Champion

  • 2007

    Kaleidoscope

    CWEA Independent Open Class Champion
    WGI Independent Open Class Finalist

  • 2008

    Dark Road

    CWEA Independent Open Class Champion
    WGI Independent Open Class Finalist

  • 2009

    Ransom Note

    CWEA Independent Open Class Champion

  • 2010

    Lost

    CWEA Independent Open Class Champion
    WGI Independent Open Class Finalist
    WGI IO Fan Favorite

  • 2011

    Pure Imagination

    CWEA Independent World Class Champion

  • 2012

    Silent All These Years

    CIPA Independent World Class Champion

  • 2013

    Shake The Dust

    CIPA Independent Open Class Champion
    WGI Independent Open Class Finalist

  • 2014

    At The Table

    CIPA Independent Open Class Champion
    WGI Independent Open Class Finalist
    WGI IO Fan Favorite

  • 2015

    Thread By Thread

    CWEA Independent Open Class Champion
    WGI Independent Open Class Silver Medalist
    WGI IO Fan Favorite

  • 2016

    Contact

    CWEA Independent World Class Champion
    WGI Independent World Class Semi-Finalist

  • 2017

    In The Shadow Of Addiction

    CWEA Independent World Class Champion
    WGI Independent World Class Semi-Finalist

  • 2018

    apple.

    CWEA Independent World Class Champion
    WGI Independent World Class Finalist

  • 2019

    The Bloom May Be Brief

    CWEA Independent World Class Champion
    WGI Independent World Class Finalist

  • 2020

    In The Company of Crows (World)

    All I Need (A)

  • 2021

    Étude: A Study in 6 (World)

    Never Break (A)

  • 2022

    Unicorn (World)

    CWEA Independent World Class Champion
    WGI Independent World Class Finalist

    A Wonderful World (A)

    CWEA Independent A Class Champion
    WGI Independent A Class Finalist

  • 2023

    Fall Seven Times (World)

    CWEA Independent World Class Champion
    WGI Independent World Class Finalist

    The Very Thought Of You (Open)

    CWEA Independent A Class Champion
    WGI Independent Open Class Silver Medalist

  • 2024

    Those Days Are Gone

    CWEA Independent World Class Champion

    WGI Independent World Class Silver Medalist

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OUR SPONSORS

  • FJM: Fred J. Miller Inc.

    Étude Winter Guard is proudly sponsored by Fred J. Miller Inc. We extend our gratitude to Byron Valentine and the FJM team for providing us with best-in-class costume and flag silk design and production.

  • DPG: Digital Performance Gear

    Étude Winter Guard is excited to announce our partnership with Digital Performance Gear for the 2025 season! We are grateful to DPG for providing the floor cover for our program and for their support in bringing our vision to life.

  • The Carolina Arts Collective

    Étude Winter Guard is proud to be supported by the Carolina Arts Collective, an organization dedicated to enriching and nurturing the artistic growth of students throughout the Carolinas.

SUPPORT ÉTUDE

Show your love for Étude Winter Guard by checking out our newly launched merch collection! Every purchase directly supports our organization, helping us grow and provide for our dedicated members. Your support makes a difference—thank you for being part of the Étude family!

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NEWS & UPDATES

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  • Étude Winter Guard Celebrates 20 Years of Excellence, Innovation, and Family

    Étude Winter Guard Celebrates 20 Years of Excel...

    Étude Winter Guard celebrates 20 years of excellence in performance and artistry. From humble beginnings to World Class success, join us in reflecting on two decades of innovation, community, and...

    Étude Winter Guard Celebrates 20 Years of Excel...

    Étude Winter Guard celebrates 20 years of excellence in performance and artistry. From humble beginnings to World Class success, join us in reflecting on two decades of innovation, community, and...

  • Celebrating Black History Month at Étude: Voices from Our Community

    Celebrating Black History Month at Étude: Voice...

    At Étude, we recognize that Black History Month is a time for reflection, celebration, and commitment to fostering inclusivity in the performing arts. This month, we spoke with several of...

    Celebrating Black History Month at Étude: Voice...

    At Étude, we recognize that Black History Month is a time for reflection, celebration, and commitment to fostering inclusivity in the performing arts. This month, we spoke with several of...

  • How You Can Support Étude Winter Guard This Giving Tuesday

    How You Can Support Étude Winter Guard This Giv...

    This Giving Tuesday, support Étude Winter Guard and help us inspire, educate, and create. You can contribute by donating directly to our organization, shopping Étude-branded merchandise from our online store,...

    How You Can Support Étude Winter Guard This Giv...

    This Giving Tuesday, support Étude Winter Guard and help us inspire, educate, and create. You can contribute by donating directly to our organization, shopping Étude-branded merchandise from our online store,...

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