New Zealand - Marching - Group portrait of North Shore Girls Marching Association team - 1980s Marching (sport) - In New Zealand and Australia, a competitive sport involving marching teams of young women grew up and became established from the 1930s. - Marching combines military precision with formations and elaborate costumes. - The sport had its origins during the Depression of the 1930s when teams were formed to keep young women fit and healthy. The sport became more organised during the 1940s with a system of scoring developed to ensure teams could compete against one another. - Points were deducted for lack of precisions, dressing, movement and length of pace. At its peak, marching competitions drew large crowds of spectators. - Teams marched not only in competitions but also frequently appeared in parades and social occasions such as blossom festivals, A&P Shows and car race events. - Marching was the inspiration behind the television series Marching Girls which was developed for Television New Zealand and screened in New Zealand in 1987. (Reference: Wikipedia) -------------------------- Image source: North Shore Girls Marching Association 1980-1989 Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections EF0053 No known copyright restrictions https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/photos/id/28637 #marching