Grand March
Couples assemble at rear of hall, then march in line around hall as directed.
Typically the dancers will follow the couple immediately in front of
them and perform exactly the same movements in turn or to continue the
pattern of the movement.
A Grand March can involve several movements/formations:
Serpentine:
The couples march around the hall and the leading couple turns sharply
and passes close to the oncominng line of dancers. The lines weave backwards
and forwards as directed by the MC or caller. Typically this move is used
to allow the "tail" of the march to clear the main floor area before the
next movement is commenced.
Arbor or Gauntlet:
As the dancers march around the hall the leading couple stops, steps apart
and faces each other. The next couple behind them passes between the first
couple, stops, steps apart and faces each other. Each couple in turn passes
through the gap formed by the couples in front and stops, steps apart and
turns to face each other. When every couple has passed through the leading
couple, the leading couple resumes the March by taking inside hands
again and marching through the lines assembled in front of them.
In some formations, the couples may form arches rather than standing
apart, this may prove awkard with voluminous dresses.
Single file:
The dancers separate and march in single file around the perimeter of the
dance floor. This movement usually requires two laps of the hall to be
ready forthe next movement.
Diagonals:
The dancers either singly or in couples (as directed) march diagonally
across the floor from the rear corners to the front corners.
In the centre of the hall, alternate the crossovers as the lines cross
through each other.
Platoon:
Couples lead up the centre of the hall and cast alternately to left and
right and march down the outside towards the rear of the hall. As the two
lines of couples approach each other at the centre rear of the hall they
turn towards the stage and march in lines of two couples towards the front
of the hall. Near the front of the hall the lines of four cast alternately
to left and right and march down the outside towards the rear of the hall.
As the two lines of four approach each other at the centre rear of the
hall they turn towards the stage and march in lines of eight towards the
stage. This is generally the conclusion of the Grand March and has couples
organised into sets of 4 in preparation for the next dance.
Dance Description Copyright Don Richmond
2002
This may be reproduced for self-educational purposes.
Prepared for Subscription Ball August 2002
Last updated June 19, 2002