New Zealand - Marching - Henderson Marching Girls team - Group photo of 17 members of the Henderson marching girls team and their coach - 1950s - Morris, Frank photo 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: Henderson Marching Girls team Morris, Frank 1950-1959 Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections FMO-0136-P No known copyright restrictions https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/photos/id/47433 #marching