Step Dancing - a "model" of Pan-African exchange: Gumboot Dancing 1960's

This is a black and white film of steppin' or Step Dancing-- from the Diamond mines of South Africa and use of Wellington Rubber boots - to convert the hardship of indentured servitude in their own home-- to a creative and empowering community activity. Special thanks to Peter Davis and Villon films for this clip! The parallel of this dance form exists in multiple West African styles of early dance and communication using body percussion, and American dance forms such as the Juba dance, originally brought by enslaved peoples from the Congo to Charleston, South Carolina. The American versions became African-American plantation dances performed by slaves during their gatherings when no rhythm instruments were allowed due to fear of secret codes hidden in the drumming.