What is the Gumboot Dance?
Have you ever seen the musical production “Stomp” or seen the ‘step team’ competition in the movie “Stomp the Yard”? Using the body as an instrument, especially foot stomps, claps, and pats characterize these extraordinary performances. High-energy chants and carefully choreographed percussive sounds created by a variety of jump, slap, stomp combinations originate in a dance from Africa called the ‘Gumboot Dance.’
A long time ago, in the gold mines of South Africa, drumming was forbidden, as was communication between workers in the mines. Flooding, dampness, and stagnant pools deep within the mine made for poor working conditions. Instead of draining and redirecting water, a cheaper solution was giving the workers boots that could keep their feet dry. These rubber boots were called Wellington boots, dubbed ‘Gumboots.’
Soon a language was born by rhythmically slapping the side of the boots, stomping the ground, and the addition bells on the ‘Gumboots’ so workers could communicate in the mines. Soon, the overseers embraced this ‘dance’ and allowed performance competitions. Of course, the guards and officers did not know that in many routines workers were actually mocking them through their performances.
The dances reflected the traditional rhythms found in the hometowns of the workers. By the mid-20th century, the ‘Gumboot dance’ made its way into the fraternities and sororities of the United States, which is still practiced today called ‘stepping.’
Want to be a gumboot dancer?
Stomp your right foot, then left foot; Clap your hands together once and slightly raise your left leg at the same time; Slap your hands above the left ankle with a right-left combination; Stomp your left foot on the ground; Clap your hands once. Practice until you can feel a rhythm.
Calling all students songwriters, musicians and singers! We are looking for submissions to be showcased in our Cleveland County Artists feature:
