Gumboots are not just used as a protective piece of footwear but are also a part of the cultural dancing in South Africa. There is a particular African dance which is performed wearing these shoes. These wellington boots can be decorated in different ways when used in dance. When bells are used, they make a sound when foot is tapped and make additional music. Traditionally, these sounds were used by the mine workers in Africa to communicate with each other without letting their superiors know. This way they would save themselves from the punishment they would get if they talk.
Playing drums was also restricted in South Africa so these boots embellished with bells were a safe alternative to create music. Gold mines in South Africa were often flooded with a few feet of water. Mine workers wore these protective shoes as they worked and also used to sing while working. This is how the gum boot dancing trend began. Today, it is recognised as a form of dance and is even taught in schools. If you visit South Africa, you will find these dancers at every place where tourists are.
Initially, the bosses would not understand that the workers are communicating with each other by making these sounds. They would slap their body and tap their feet in a rhythmic manner. This behavn be easily considered as a side effect of staying in the dark mines for as much as three months. Of course, this was a great way to de-stress during working hours as well as break times. Once the company bosses understood, some of them did encourage the dance and also used it for their own entertainment.
Today, after South Africa is free, a gumboot dancing is still followed and has become a part of the cultural heritage of South Africa.
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