Theater: Gumboots

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Want to see traditional African dance full of fun and very entertaining? Then come to see the famous Gumboots dance. You can easily avail the tickets for the Gumboots shows from Chicago Gigs at discounted price.

Gumboots is a traditional African dance in which the dancers dance wearing Wellington boots. They are known as Gumboots in South Africa. These Gumboots have bells attached. As the dancers stamp on the ground the bells ring.
The origin of Gumboot dancing was very accidental. The dance originated in the gold mines of South Africa in 19th century. The black laborers in these mines were forced to work inhuman conditions with no light and in absolutely dangerous conditions. They were not allowed to talk to each other and tied to their work stations through chains. The workers often got infected with various types of skin diseases as they used to work in infected water. The owners of the mines introduced Gumboots for them which acted as a blessing in disguise to them. As the Gumboots became source of communication between the workers. They used communicate through thumping the boots. The Gumboots dancing tradition originated as the workers in their free time enjoyed by singing and dancing.

In the contemporary world there are twelve dancers in the Gumboots ensemble. The ensemble not only has dancers but actors, singer and musicians also. These performers with bare chest perform one of the most unique and different dance form of the world. The dance includes hand, boot and toe clapping with some traditional and original songs.

Gumboots have been performing not only in their native country but the fame of this dance have spread through out the world. The show has been showcased in many Western countries where it has not only liked by the viewers but the press has equally applauded it.

"The combination of storytelling, dance, song, chant, and history is invigorating- the audience (at London's Playhouse Theatre) can't keep still or quiet; they chant, clap, and dance from their seats." was said by Amazon.com

"The dancers and musicians do not stop moving for 90 minutes. Bare-chested and glistening from sweat, they are unbeatable.The message from a song Keep me strong, give me long-life, and let me sing in the sun is the simplicity that all mankind should yearn for in his quest for nirvana. This is great and unusual theater entertainment, which offers a pleasant departure from the everyday world." was reported by Daily Trojan.

""Gumboots" is an extraordinarily vigorous musical show in which a cast of 10 (accompanied by four musicians) sing mostly in their native language, sometimes a cappella, while kicking, stomping, gyrating, and slapping their gumboots and bodies, until you're likely to feel exhausted for them, though they never show the least sign of tiring." says South Coast Today

"The performers, vivid personalities and outrageous flirts, shine with eagerness to please. Although it seems unfair to single anyone out, Vincent Ncabashe is a terrific frontman. Tall Sipho Ndlela, aptly named Themba Short, and skinny, six-pack-stomached Thami Nkwanyana provide exceptional support. All of them mug wonderfully, particularly during a jaunty, mischievous parade-of-beefcake number. It is a real kick to see such gorgeous men revelling in, while sending up, their own hunkiness." was described by Edinburgh Festival

PBS said "GUM BOOTS features inspirational a cappella singing and a resonant percussive score. Clad in the traditional miner's garb of jeans, bandana headbands and the knee-high gumboots, the nine dancers stomp, cavort, strut, joyfully harmonize and wail amid a mineshaft-like set. The program's boisterous spectacle and the performer's self-deprecating humor contrast the ominous setting, sending an uplifting message."

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