It is a celebration of song and dance, an international phenomenon that has swept across the globe like a tidal wave of soaring faces and stomping feet. Gumboot dancing was born out of the oppressive gold mines of South Af... more »rica. Forbidden to speak and in almost complete darkness, the slave laborers developed their own language by slapping their gumboots and rattling their ankle chains. In time, it has developed into a truly unique dance form that has captured an international audience. Unrivaled in its energy and physicality, "Gumboots" celebrates the body as a musical intrument, while highlighting South Africa's rich and complex culture. Songs: Nelson Mandela, Paulina, Ta La Li La Le, Joburg, Shosholoza, Egoli, City of Gold, Sibiziwe Amazinyo Amhlophe, Who's Foolin' Who?, I'm Too Sexy, Mabele, Bump Jive, Ughuba Isisu, Dronkie, Train, Omm Ohh Ho La La, Hiyo!, Ukuvalwa Kwe Mine, Asikhathali, Ma-Gumede. 80 minutes.« less
Tom Sanders | Lansing, Mi United States | 07/31/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"DVDs range in quality (not of the material on the DVD, but the quality of the DVD itself) from a low of Kurosawa's wonderful movie Ran, with its' unwatchable color smears and ghosting, to this DVD which has the sharpest images and best production values I've ever seen. The extra material on the DVD is wonderful and the Gumboots show itself are awesome. Think a South African Stomp. If you love dance and harmonizing music, you really owe it to yourself to check this out."
Gumboostic!!!!
mpintshi | 02/27/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I bought this DVD sometime ago, but forgot about it until I discovered it just sitting there among my DVD collection. I watched it and bwoy! was I taken away or what? Being originally from Southern Africa brought back many memories as we used to grow up listening and mimicking Gumboot dancing. This is a must-see DVD and the dancing, choreography and music has been excently put together to bring this explosion of energy and power! Makes you feel like you are actually there...."
Foot Stompin'
wagjacks | Dumfries, VA USA | 05/10/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Words simply cannot describe what is contained on this DVD! We bought the VHS version and played it every night for a week and just ordered the DVD tonight. If you have ever seen a Black Greek stepshow, this is like the championship level with gospel harmonies mixed in. It is awesome! A must see, over and over and over....."
Fantastic !!!!!
J. Marszalek | Pittsburgh, PA United States | 03/26/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I just saw Gumboots live last night. It was fantastic. What Riverdance is to Ireland, Gumboots is to South Africa. If you enjoy dancing and singing you will enjoy this DVD. There is even a little light humor. Very energetic."
The Gumboots
J. C. Fraga | Faial isl, Azores | 08/03/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Though Portugal being a colonial country untill the coup d'état in 1974, very little of the african culture was available to the commmon Portuguese. The Gumboots are a strong doccument with an important impact, knowing that among the black workers on the gold mines, were many citizens of Mozambique. It is music, dance, traditions and History."