Interest in the once popular sport of marching has waned in recent decades but a dedicated team of girls are still stomping the grounds.
Tightly gripped hands and straight backs are crucial for proper marching posture. RNZ/Daniela Maoate-Cox
Lochiel coach Colleen Pobar checks the distance between the marchers with a pace stick. RNZ/Daniela Maoate-Cox
“I’ve seen generations of girls go through, and I find the present generation question more, if they want to be there they have to listen and keep quiet. Listening is a very good skill for anyone to have.” Lochiel coach Colleen Pobar. RNZ/Daniela Maoate-Cox
A pace stick or caliper used to measure and regulate the distance of each team members' pace. RNZ/Daniela Maoate-Cox
"It's a disciplined sport...if we don't practice our standard gets lower and lower and we don't want that," Shaana Edmonds, 21, practices a move while the team regroups. RNZ/Daniela Maoate-Cox
Marching has taken Lochiel all over the world including, Norway, Scotland, Australia and Oman. RNZ/Daniela Maoate-Cox
Each pace must be 75 centimeters to avoid any collisions during the routine. RNZ/Daniela Maoate-Cox
Not just walking. Lochiel's performance ties in military precision with hand actions, and costumes. Their most recent performance was set to music from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. RNZ/Daniela Maoate-Cox
Lochiel team leader Nicole Adamson learned her first marching steps in the driveway under her aunt, Colleen Pobar's, instruction. RNZ/Daniela Maoate-Cox
The Lochiel team and flag bearers are part of 1200 performers in the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. RNZ/Daniela Maoate-Cox
A new routine is learnt for each tattoo the team perform in. Six months was spent designing and rehearsing for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. RNZ/Daniela Maoate-Cox
The Lochiel Marching Drill Team perform on opening night at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Wellington. Photo/Matt Grace
The images in this gallery are used with permission and are subject to copyright conditions.
