I need info on origination of the gumboot dance, costumes, cultural meaning, etc.?

Answer 1

The African welly boot dance is an African dance, which one may conjecture from the name is performed by dancers wearing Wellington boots. In South Africa, these are more commonly called gumboots. It is believed by some to have been a forerunner of the tap dance. The boots are embellished with bells, so that they ring as the dancers stamp on the ground.

According to an article from the Shropshire news site Shropshire STAR.com, the dance is the highlight of the performance of Black Umfolosi, a group from Zimbabwe described as one of Africa's most famous folk groups. The article explains:-

"Their show has its roots in Zimbabwe's mines, where young men created a new brand of harmonic song and energetic dance to keep their spirits up through long and back-breaking days below ground."
Many of the steps and routines are parodies of the officers and guards who controlled the mines and workers barracks. Gumboot dancers are a common sight on the streets and plazas of tourist areas in South Africa, such as the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town.

The album Graceland by the American pop singer Paul Simon has a song titled "Gumboots", which is performed in the style of South African township jive (mbaqanga) and contains performances by members of the Boyoyo Boys.

Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Welly_boot_dance"

Answer 2

Gumboot Dance

Answer 3

Well, there are two different parents to Halloween, the Celts, and religion. They really are the same, but the time period is what differentiates between what I mean, originally, costumes were worn by the Celts on All Hallows Eve to scare off the spirits. They believed that the connection between the afterlife was weakened on All Hallows Eve, thus the spirits could come to our world. The church morphed this, they developed a holiday known as All Saints Day, in order to honor the saints without a day. All Hallows Eve was the night before this, and as with All Souls Day, and All Saints Day, it was celebrated by dressing up as saints, devils, and angels. So, no, I doubt it is offensive. I wouldn't, not really, iconography should hold little importance to my beliefs. Halloween is for fun, and, honestly, I'm sure that if humanity really tried, everything could be construed as offensive.

Answer 4

Well i come from south Africa.. and the black people in S.A do gum boot dancing.. i think it originated in the mines too communicate with one another!! the costumes are... an overall any colour. with gum boots.. and a little string of caps like a bottle cap bracelet... and a hard hat.. you can try www.iafrica.com and put in the serch gumboot dancing!!! hope i could help...