Friday, September 7, 2012

The Grand March

Growing up in South Texas, the weddings that we went to that had a dinner reception & dance always included the Grand March or sometimes known as the Wedding March. When I moved to West Texas, not many people knew what the Grand March was or the meaning behind it. Yes, there really is a meaning to everyone getting up to join the new couple in celebrating their new journey ahead.

The Grand March
- The dance begins with the couple being led around the room in a circle, which signifies life.
- The couple then separates, which signifies a quarrel.
- The couple then joins back together signifying making-up.
- The couples then join together in rows of four or more to signify the growing family.
- The dance then returns to single file, forming a snake that signifies the twists and turns of life.
-The couples then join together to form a bridge to which each person goes under to signify the strength of the new couples bond. 
- The newlyweds then dance together while the wedding party and guests form a circle around them signifying the support of the family in marriage.

The Grand March is also another way to get everyone who is at the wedding involved in the dance part of the reception. You know, everyone has been sitting through the ceremony and then they travel to the reception hall and wait for the bridal party to arrive and then enjoying their dinner. After all of that, its finally time to dance and this is the way we start weddings in South Texas --with the Grand March.

The Grand March is usually led by a couple that has been married for many years because you want to learn from those with experience.
The tempo of the music us upbeat but not too fast.

As the Grand March encircles the happy couple, the music lulls them into their first dance. This is always my favorite part.  
Everyone always has a great time!
Here are some pictures of  my cousin's wedding that I went to recently. We had a great time!
Pictures courtesy of Alisha Cornett at AFC Photography

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20 comments:

  1. I read your post on this subject with great interest. I was born and raised in South Texas (Gulf Coast) and had never heard of or seen the Grand March at weddings until well into my 40s when I moved inland by a few counties to a region that was originally settled (generations ago) by people from Eastern Europe. In researching the Grand March a little further, I learned that it began in Poland, spread to the Czech and Hungarian regions of Europe and then immigrated across the Atlantic when people from those areas came to Texas. I had never known about the meanings of the various dance steps though, and so I thank you for posting this entry. The Grand March is firmly ingrained in this area of South Central Texas, and I don't believe a wedding would be considered "proper" without it. And yes, you're right -- it's great fun, both to watch and to participate.

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    1. In Crosby Tx for many many years a lot of the wedding receptions were held at the Old American Legion hall --- Georgia and Raymond Smesny led the majority of the wedding marches altfough Geneva and Ihe Parrick (one of the best polka dance couples around)
      Sigh, haven't seen either dance in a longntime.

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    2. Bad typos, ' sorry but.
      So many beautiful memories of this tradition!

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  2. what type of music would you use for the Grand March. I have done the it multiple times at weddings and now that I am getting married I can't find the music for this. Will someone PLEASE help??? Please email me where I can find the music... hallst08@gmail.com

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    1. Under The Double Eagle is the song traditionally used around here for the Wedding March!

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    2. Under The Double Eagle is the song traditionally used around here for the Wedding March!

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    3. Here is the one I always remember.

      Band: Janicek Polka Band

      Album: Down Home Folk Dances for uptown folks

      Song: Wedding March




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    4. The Painted Gate Polka is the one we always use for the Grand March.

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  3. Steffa, the usual song that's played for the grand march at a wedding is called "Under the Double Eagle". You'll probably wanna watch a video of it done on YouTube and hire a great band like Wayward Sons (local band in my hometown of West, TX.)

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  5. Chris Rybak has a CD made specifically for a grand March!!! I think it runs at least 45 minutes but could be wrong!!!

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    1. This is the one we always play because it does last over and Hour so n need to adjust music just go as long as needed then turn softly down and transition in to the Bride & Grooms first Dance Selection

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  6. The traditional Czech song used as Grand March music is called "Farewell", or in Czech "Na Rozloucenou". Here is what it sounds like: https://youtu.be/luFZpJ1gFYs

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  7. Loved finding out what the grand March means. Was raised in north/east Texas and did not know about it until we moved the to South central Texas. Now I have a true meaning of the Grand March.

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  8. The traditional Czech song for the Grand March always started with the Farewell March, or "Na Rozloucenou" as a previous commenter said. When the march went on for a longer time, the band might also add other tunes like Under the Double Eagle and some polkas. I think C&W bands that play for weddings don't know the Farewell March, so they just play Under the Double Eagle, but it's not traditional. Here is a youtube of Chris Rybak playing it - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLE4is-SmEM

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  9. Love the breakdown of each cycle of life during the dance. Thanks for writing on the wedding march. Glad to know more about what we are shooting. Keep up the good work on your blog! - San Angelo Wedding Video.

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  10. When I was a little girl going to weddings in Texas, this was a one of my favorite parts of the reception... and the brisket! :) It is great to finally know the history of the dance. Now I am in Virginia and nobody has heard of it. Wish I could include it in my upcoming wedding next month!

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    1. You should include it the wedding march at your wedding. You can take the meaning & have it printed on small cards for the tables. Tell your DJ or emcee what you would like to do & have them get the guests involved. It would be great! Best Wishes!

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  11. Nice Information you have written here. Really Great Stuff. I keep it bookmark for our future purpose. Thanks for the information and links you shared this is so should be a useful and quite informative.
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  12. Can't wait to participate in the Grand March at my daughter's wedding in December.

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