Feb 13, 2026
Your All-Access Pass to the Marching Arts.
This episode is our biggest yet! We are joined by icon, entertainer, and color guard alum, Latrice Royale. Long before the world knew her from RuPaul's Drag Race, she was performing with the Alliance of Miami Winter Guard, including their iconic "Hotel California" show. Latrice sits down with the crew to break down how the artistry of guard shaped her story, her stage presence, and her journey to becoming a global superstar.
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32 Count Life Story
Latrice started her journey in the Miami color guard scene, eventually joining the world-renowned Alliance of Miami.
She performed in the legendary "Hotel California" show, which is still cited as a life-changing production for many in the activity.
After her competitive years, she transitioned into drag, bringing the discipline and "pacing" of color guard to her performances.
She rose to international fame on RuPaul's Drag Race, famously bringing color guard equipment onto the main stage.
"Color Guard has such a tremendous influence on how I program my drag shows. It really is all about a beginning, middle, and end... pacing... peaks and valleys."
The Conversation
The Alliance of Miami Days
Latrice discusses the intense training and artistic standards of Alliance of Miami and the impact of performing at the highest level of WGI.
"I was performing with the Alliance of Miami Winter Guard, including their iconic Hotel California show, you know, a show that changed many of our lives."
From the Floor to the Stage
How the "stage presence" learned in a gym translated directly into her drag persona and her ability to command a room.
"I know what the magic is that makes people jump and scream and lose their mind... having that little insight and the control of the room is what I love about what Color Guard has given to me."
The RuPaul's Drag Race Experience
Latrice reflects on how her background in the marching arts gave her a "professional edge" during the high-pressure environment of the show.
"Obviously life changing. It really was. And you know, when I got on the show, I didn't know what to expect. I just know I needed a change in my career."
The Influence of Drag on Guard (and Vice Versa)
A discussion on the crossover between the two communities and the shared love for storytelling, costumes, and performance.
"It really is all about a beginning, middle, and end, number one. You gotta have that."
Guard Closet
This episode is presented on Guard Closet — your home for marching arts consignment, design help, microsites, gifts, and in-stock essentials.
FAQ (Quick Answers for Marching Arts People)
Which winter guard did Latrice Royale perform with?
Answer: Latrice Royale was a member of the Alliance of Miami Winter Guard.
"she was performing with the Alliance of Miami Winter Guard."
What was the name of the famous show Latrice performed in?
Answer: She performed in the iconic "Hotel California" show with Alliance of Miami.
"including their iconic Hotel California show, you know, a show that changed many of our lives."
How does color guard influence Latrice's drag shows?
Answer: It influences her programming, specifically focusing on storytelling structure (beginning, middle, end) and pacing.
"Color Guard has such a tremendous influence on how I program my drag shows. It really is all about a beginning, middle, and end."
Did Latrice bring color guard to RuPaul's Drag Race?
Answer: Yes, she famously brought her color guard skills and equipment to the Drag Race stage.
"she brought Color Guard to the RuPaul's Drag Race stage."
What is the most important part of a show according to Latrice?
Answer: Pacing and taking the audience on a journey with "peaks and valleys" is essential to a successful show.
"You have to have incredible pacing. Like, you have to take these people on a journey. You have to have peaks and valleys, highs and lows."
Where was the Alliance of Miami based?
Answer: They were based in Miami, Florida.
"she was legend down in Miami."
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