Cuban Honour Guard at the Mausoleum of José Marti, Santiago de Cuba, December 2016

The term “goose step” originally referred to a British military drill in which one leg at a time was swung back and forth without bending the knee. Standing on only one leg reminded soldiers of how geese often stand, and its name was born.

It is a difficult marching style that takes practice, coordination and strength and therefore tends to be reserved for short bursts at ceremonial occasions.  You can see, above , how they have to lean right back before swinging they leg up.

Copyright Debbie Smyth, 23 March 2017

Posted as part of Cee’s B&W Challenge