The Viking Winter Guard's message to judges this season is stern: Nobody puts Baby in a corner.

Aiming to win its third consecutive state championship, this year's show is based on the movie "Dirty Dancing," and is aptly titled, "A Time of Your Life."

While last year's show, based on the movie "Titanic," was an emotional rollercoaster from beginning to end, this year's is on the other end of the spectrum.

"Last year we were telling a story," says Winter Guard Director Annmarie Churchill.

Instructor Shannan Martins finishes her thought: "This year, it's a party!"

The highly-energy show features dancing and twirling with flags, rifles, and — new this year — sabres.

After putting in more than 30 hours of practice during their winter break, the 23 members of the guard were ready to impress the judges at their first competition on Saturday, Feb. 23, in Dartmouth.

The guard is judged on dancing, how it uses equipment, overall choreography, and the general effect of the show.

"The crowd is definitely going to go nuts," team co-captain Briana Morin, a junior, predicted after the guard's final winter break practice. "We have [other schools'] guards coming and saying, 'I want to watch Wareham!'"

Co-captain Rachel Freeman, also a junior, agreed: "Everybody loves 'Dirty Dancing!'"

And the judges certainly did.

The Vikings scored 67.46 — earning them a second-place finish behind the Case High School Winter Guard, which earned a score of 68.72.

The Dennis-Yarmouth Odyssey Winter Guard took third with a score of 67.16, and Reading High took fourth place with 66.10.

"They did amazing," Churchill said after the competition -- the guard's first in a new, more difficult division after winning the state championship last year. "They performed better than I ever expected. I'm a proud momma of 23!"

In a competition where the difference between first- and second-place can come down to a tenth of a point, guard instructors and members both stress the need to continue improving the show.

"We're not done!" says Churchill. "There's still more work to do."

The co-captains, both in their second year in the leadership position, know that all too well.

"You always have to be practicing," explained Morin.

Freeman adds: "It's a challenge."

It is Churchill's 10th year directing the guard. She was a member while attending Wareham High School. Her daughter, Sarabeth, now performs.

In addition to Martins, Churchill is joined by instructors Michelle Marshall and John Dooley, and tech and former guard-member Apryl Cavanaugh.

From the members to the instructors, the team's energy and excitement is evident both on and off the performance floor.

"We're having the time of our lives," Morin said with a smile.

The team next performs at King Philip Regional High School in Wrentham on Saturday, March 9. For more information, visit NESBA.org.