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

  • Breathtaking scenery

    Cape Town Competition

    Breathtaking scenery
    Cape Town Competition
    Turn up the vibe! Good food on the braai, drinks flowing, good music playing, and surrounded by friendly people. This is how we Rugby. South Africa is hosting the British and Lions Rugby Series, Star FM & Zi FM listeners stand to win big. Up for grabs are Rugby Hampers and an all-expenses-paid trip for two (2) to the Lions Series host city, Cape Town. Enter on Facebook. Follow @southafricantourismzimbabwe. Competition closes 7th August 2021. Terms and Conditions apply. Come Journey with us. There's always more to see.
  • Vibrant culture

    Xhosa culture: the clans and customs

    Vibrant culture
    Xhosa culture: the clans and customs
    The AmaXhosa are part of three nations known as Nguni that are found in South Africa. The other two are AmaSwazi and AmaZulu.  The AmaXhosa settled in the Eastern Cape and over time spread to the Western Cape.
  • Vibrant culture

    Cape Malay cuisine: food that feeds the soul

    Vibrant culture
    Cape Malay cuisine: food that feeds the soul
    A food group born from the souls of slaves, in its heart, one motto: make sure our people are fed.
  • Vibrant culture

    Xhosa cuisine: the dishes and traditions

    Vibrant culture
    Xhosa cuisine: the dishes and traditions
    Xhosa cuisine: the dishes and traditions
  • Vibrant culture

    African ancestors

    Vibrant culture
    African ancestors
    African ancestors continue to give Africans a shared and personal sense of self-affirmation, identity and unfettered belonging.
  • Vibrant culture

    Zulu cuisine: the dishes and traditions

    Vibrant culture
    Zulu cuisine: the dishes and traditions
    Zulu cuisine is still very much influenced by tradition and its celebration of history and a commitment to culture.
  • Vibrant culture

    The colour of Cape Malay culture

    Vibrant culture
    The colour of Cape Malay culture
    The Cape Malay community has contributed to the vast tapestry of South African traditions.
  • Vibrant culture

    The vibrant history of Soweto

    Vibrant culture
    The vibrant history of Soweto
    It was an act that had played out many times in South Africa: a forced removal. In 1904 bubonic plague broke out in the town centre, in an area known as Brickfields. Once the brick makers had been removed 25km south, to Klipspruit, the area was fenced and razed to the ground. And so Soweto was born.

South Africa on social media

Copyright © 2024 South African Tourism
|Terms and conditions|Disclaimer|Privacy policy