Choose your country and language:

Africa

  • Global
  • Angola
  • Botswana
  • DRC
  • Ethiopia
  • Ghana
  • Kenya
  • Malawi
  • Mozambique
  • Namibia
  • Nigeria
  • South Africa
  • Tanzania
  • Uganda
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe
  • shotLeft

Americas

  • USA
  • Argentina
  • Brazil

Asia Pacific

  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Australia

Europe

  • France
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Netherlands
  • United Kingdom
Back

GGumboot dancing was originally a means of communication amongst miners who were forbidden from talking to one another.

More than a century ago, migrant workers came to the Witwatersrand area to work in the mines. While in the dark tunnels, mine bosses tried to keep order and quiet by forbidding conversation. Clad in gumboots to protect their feet from the fetid water, the miners created a tapping code to communicate with one another.

Above ground, these taps and smacks developed into elaborate dances that were performed during leisure time. Because many miners were from rural areas, they used the dances as a chance to dress up and express their cultural roots. 

Did You Know?
SSome of the moves were even developed in mock imitation of the way the mine operators themselves moved.

IInitially, the mine bosses banned the dances. But soon the mine bosses began to see the activity as positive. Competitions, gumboot dance troupes and shows all became part of the social life at the mines.

SStanding by, applauding, mine managers remained oblivious that the chest smacks, clicks, whistles and boot taps were often coded criticism about poor conditions. Today, people wear different versions of their ancestral skins – you will see vests with animal print patterns, and symbols of power tied to dancers’ wrists. Troupes can be found in many places, from local shopping centres to game lodges and city centres. For a dedicated show, head to Gold Reef City or the Victory Theatre.

Who to contact
How to get there
Around the area
Get around
What it will cost
Length of stay
What to pack
Where to stay
What to eat
What's happening
Best buys

Related articles

Bustling city life

Marina Appelbaum: Nikos and Old Ducky French Cafe

Bustling city life
Marina Appelbaum: Nikos and Old Ducky French Cafe
South Africa is a marvel. Not only does the country boast warm and welcoming people, but it has also an array of culinary offerings enough to cater to any palate and feast. We continue with our celebration of South Africa’s women in the tourism and hospitality sector and this time we catch up with foodie, Marina Appelbaum Marina Appelbaum grew up in the kitchen of the iconic Three Sisters Cafe in Hillbrow which her mother ran for 28 years, with a family legacy like hers it is unsurprising that she is the owner of two thriving eateries - Nikos and The Old Ducky French Café in Pineslopes in Fourways, Johannesburg.
Vibrant culture

Tour Soweto in Gauteng: experience vibrant township life and the spirit not even apartheid could crush in the south of Johannesburg

Vibrant culture
Tour Soweto in Gauteng: experience vibrant township life and the spirit not even apartheid could crush in the south of Johannesburg
Take a tour of Soweto, Johannesburg’s vibrant city-within-a-city – apart from learning the history of the struggle against apartheid, you can immerse yourself in a modern urban vibe with lots to do.
Active adventure

Soweto Bicycle Tours: see the famed suburbs on two wheels

Active adventure
Soweto Bicycle Tours: see the famed suburbs on two wheels
Soweto Bicycle Tours let you explore South Africa’s most famous township’s streets with a qualified guide, taking in historical sites like the former homes of Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Tutu.
Bustling city life

South African architectural tours: explore the urban design that built a nation

Bustling city life
South African architectural tours: explore the urban design that built a nation
South African urban architectural design tours introduce visitors to the eclectic array of styles and influences behind the country’s most iconic buildings.
Vibrant culture

South African cultural museums: rich traditions and history all over

Vibrant culture
South African cultural museums: rich traditions and history all over
South Africans are a diverse mix of peoples from Africa, Europe, Asia and elsewhere, and the many museums scattered around the country preserve rich histories, heritages and cultural traditions.
Bustling city life

SAB World of Beer, Johannesburg – celebrating the history of the amber elixir in Gauteng.

Bustling city life
SAB World of Beer, Johannesburg – celebrating the history of the amber elixir in Gauteng.
South African Breweries’ World of Beer in Newtown Cultural Precinct, Johannesburg, presents a fascinating history of beer globally, and brewing in South Africa – with some welcome samples thrown in.
Bustling city life

Nobel Square, Cape Town: South African history makers on the waterfront in Western Cape

Bustling city life
Nobel Square, Cape Town: South African history makers on the waterfront in Western Cape
Nobel Square at Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront honours Nelson Mandela, FW de Klerk, Desmond Tutu and Alfred Luthuli – the 4 South Africans who have been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
Vibrant culture

Historic places of worship in South Africa: cathedrals, churches, mosques, synagogues and temples catering to religious diversity

Vibrant culture
Historic places of worship in South Africa: cathedrals, churches, mosques, synagogues and temples catering to religious diversity
South Africa is a country of rich religious diversity, protected by the Constitution, so explore sacred architecture and spiritual traditions at our many historic places of worship.

South Africa on social media

Copyright © 2023 South African Tourism
|Terms and conditions|Disclaimer|Privacy policy