Body Percussion and Soundscape

WORKSHOP 5: BODY PERCUSSION AND SOUNDSCAPES

WEEK 10: THURSDAY 6TH SEPTEMBER 2012

LECTURER/CHOREOGRAPHIC ARTIST: JACQUI DREESSENS

 

  Gumboot Dancers in South Africa 2009, YouTube, Stephen Smith, 28 October, retrieved 07 September 2012, <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0Q51WVrR40>

 

Gumboot Dancers in Cape Town 2007,  YouTube, Simon Leher, 27 July, retrieved 07 September 2012, <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSgFAG0mtac>

These videos show the energy, athleticism and coordination that come together to create the style of dance known as 'Gumboot'. I find it an energising style of dance to watch, but feel completely lacking in ability when trying to participate. Jacqui's pedagogy to start with the simple and move to the complex didn't help me much with this workshop. In a very short time period, I was exhausted and uncomfortable.

The workshop went like this...

Our lecturer and choreographic artist, Jacqui, introduced us to Gumboot with a short discussion about how it's history and evolution. The following is an extract from World Arts West that explains its roots:

 

'Gumboot dance developed from traditional African roots, to become a part of urban South African working-class culture. The practice began with rural laborers who came to work at the gold mines of Witwatersrand in South Africa. They brought with them strong traditions of rhythm, song, and dance. Facing oppression and hardship at the mines, including punishment if they talked to each other while working, they were forced to adapt and create new forms of communication and entertainment.' (World Arts West n.d.)

 

The group was positioned in a large circle and we began simply by stomping our feet. You can see in the image below people bending both their knees.

 

 We added movements step by step, and included clapping, stomping, and slapping on different parts of the body, such as knees and chest. We also included voice in the sequence.

Clapping hands together

 

 This video show the group participating in the instruction based sequence. 

The next movement sequence involved moving from a standstill position to moving in different directions. We moved side to side and forward and backwards with feet stomping, and arms swaying. 

After our initiation into the world of body percussion, the group separated into small groups to create an original movement sequence. We were invited to explore our formation and spacing, whilst ensuring that we also used the gumboot style of stomping, clapping, and slapping our bodies. We performed these pieces one by one to the class.

A group practicing their gumboot dance

 
After the performances, the group moved back into a large circle to play an African hand slapping game. I was not there for this part of the workshop, but I heard from peers that it was one that sounds easier than what it is. 

Reflection

I worked up a sweat in this workshop! I think students in the primary context would love to participate in this style of dance, however, my coordination is not up to scratch to teach it (yet). The style is powerful to watch. What I enjoyed most about this lesson

References:

World Arts West n.d. Dance Style Locator, World Arts West, retrieved 20 October 2012, <https://d2l.deakin.edu.au/content/enforced/108145-ECA410_EEA410_TRI-2_2012/dance_geel_bur/teaching_culture/traditional_dance_styles.pdf?_&d2lSessionVal=1dSDMGRW43jIvNoIjniHS6azr>