The chair step is a type of high step used by marching bands. This step is named because of the resemblance of the leg in action to a leg's position when sitting in a chair. It is primarily used by bands that brand themselves as traditional style bands. Nearly all bands in the Big Ten Conference use this style.
The chair step emphasizes leg movement with a sharp pop on each step, during which the thigh of the action leg may raise as high as parallel to the ground, with the lower part of the leg and foot remaining out. As with the ankle knee step, the toe is the last part of the foot to leave the ground and the first to reconnect.
This is the basic step used for most field marching in traditional style bands. Most bands, such as the University of Minnesota Marching Band, will emphasize that the knee be at a 90-degree angle. Other bands, such as the University of Wisconsin Marching Band (seen pictured) will use a 45-degree angle.
One element of chair step highlighted by many bands is a horn flip that is executed during the march.
Chair step is also very common in Midwestern high school marching bands, most of which are heavily influenced by Big Ten bands. This style clearly defines the march, and is easy to learn.
Read more about Chair Step: Stop At The Top, Bands That Use Chair Step
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