When Kira Marjanovic was just 3 years old, she began dancing as a way to express herself and channel positive energy.

What she didn’t realize at the time was that she had discovered a lifelong passion.

Marjanovic, a third-year Bachelor of Arts student at Cleveland State University, recently choreographed and taught original movement to Full Metal Racket — an ensemble of musicians from across the Army band that performs a wide range of musical styles. By blending more than a decade of dance training with military precision, she helped energize crowds across 11 shows, reaching more than 5,000 audience members.

Full Metal Racket regularly performs as part of the 122nd Army Band’s summer concert tour, adding a dynamic flair to traditional military band concerts. The group also performs as a standalone ensemble and specializes in high-energy shows designed for audiences of all ages. According to its website, Full Metal Racket often performs in schools, sharing a positive message through music.

Her creative leadership during Tour Ohio 2024 earned her the Army Achievement Medal.

“I feel very honored to receive such an award from the Army”, said Marjanovic. “Receiving this award has made me feel like my hard work was seen as well as appreciated and that I did a good job.”

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

From a young age, Marjanovic danced alongside her older and younger sisters, not only creating fond memories, but sparking a passion for dance. That passion led to 10 years of formal training at a dance studio, where she later competed and trained in styles such as jazz, tap, ballet and gymnastics. 

It was at that time that she really got into musical theatre, and now on-stage musicals serve as the focus for Marjanovic, as opposed to dancing in studios. 

Coincidentally, it gives her the opportunity to showcase her true passion.

“I love bringing movement to the stage — it adds so much to a show,” she said. “The audience seems to really enjoy seeing Soldiers dance while we play music. While I was away on active duty as a Marine, I always tried to stay involved with choreography — even if it meant video calling my sister to brainstorm new ideas. I’ve had so much fun working with her and learning the ropes of choreography, starting when I was her dance captain in middle school. We still partner on productions to this day.”

FULL METAL RACKET

Marjanovic first joined the group as a trumpet player and although there were several units within the Music Performance Teams (MPT) she could have been assigned to, she was placed with Full Metal Racket.

“My Music Performance Team leader trusted me to do the choreography for her group even though I hadn’t been in the unit all but 2 months,” she said. “I can’t thank her enough for being a fantastic leader and giving soldiers like me opportunities to lead and make an impact on our performance.”

As time went on, she was named a choreographer, which is where her story really takes off. Marjanovic explained that her creative process is constantly evolving based on the group she’s working with. It begins by listening to the music and going with whatever routine she visualizes. If that doesn’t work, she goes back to the drawing board to refine and find movements that fit best.

“The hardest part about being a choreographer is not being able to be 15 soldiers at the same time. In my living room, I can be only one person, but my older sister usually steps in to help demonstrate the other parts that other soldiers will do,” said Marjanovic. “I then make videos for the Soldiers so they can follow the choreography a little easier, and they can start to see spacings to the best of our ability when playing through the music. I usually get a couple hours of time to teach and rehearse with the Full Metal Racket before we go on the road with our show.”

LOOKING AHEAD

As Marjanovic continues to pursue her degree at CSU, she wants to continue being a member of the Ohio National Guard and, one day, being in active duty service again.

“The 122nd Army National Guard Band is an extremely special unit that I love being a member of,” she said. “Bringing the joy of music to people of all ages is something that you can’t put a price tag on.” 

“In the 122nd Army Band, I believe we have the best job in the National Guard.”