Dance around the world -Gumboot
Create music and explore this South African folk dance with your group!
| Target: | Counselors |
| Time frame: | 30 to 60 minutes |
| Members: | Everyone |
| Type of tool: | Activities |
| Ages: | 5-6 years, 7-8 years, 9-12 years, 13 and Over |
| Group size: | One group, More than one group, Whole camp |
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Physical activity
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Healthy Habits
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Description
Are you looking for a fun way to get your kids moving? Do they enjoy dancing, and would you like them to discover a traditional dance from around the world? This activity is for you.
Gumboot is a folk dance that originated in South Africa. Traditionally, it is practiced with rubber boots, but it can be done without them. Watch the presentation video to better understand how to lead the activity.
To begin, find a flat surface that produces noise (for example: gym, asphalt, etc.). Print the illustrations of the movements so that you and the campers can refer to them as needed (see pdf). Ask the kids to stand up and space themselves out. Introduce the activity by explaining what Gumboot is.
Before making teams, do a warmup to prepare the campers’ bodies to move. Then, demonstrate the starting position (see pdf).
For the younger ones, start by demonstrating the six basic movements and ensure they understand them. Gumboot follows a four-beat rhythm, ask the campers to count while they perform the movements; this will help them stay on rhythm and be synchronized.
For the older ones, make teams of 3 or 4 and give each team the illustrations of the movements. Take turns having each child choose a movement to teach the others, who must then imitate it.
Special thanks to the Philippine Folkloric Dance Compagny of Montreal and Jill Otter, Bhangra artist and teacher from Quebec City for proofreading the content of these documents.
Special thanks to the Sainte-Geneviève Day Camp, the Claude-Allard Day Camp, the La Clémentine Day Camp and the Chicoutimi Day Camp for testing and approving this activity!
Goal(s)
This activity uses a progressive and playful approach to encourage children to move at varying intensities while practicing their basic motor skills at their own pace. It allows each child to express themselves through their movements and to demonstrate creativity in creating choreography or new movements. It also provides an opportunity to explore another culture through traditional folk dance.
Tips and Tricks
Your group seems bored by this activity? Show them the professionals’ video to motivate them (Waterford Kamhlaba).
Involve those who already know the dance in leading this activity; they can show others the movements they already know.
Continue the learning of dances around the world with Bhangra and Tinikling.
Required material
This activity can be done without any material. Optional:
- Radio/speakers, music,
- Illustrations of the movements (to print),
- Progress tracking table (to print)
Let’s have a chat!
Take time to talk about local food with your kids before, during, and after the activity. In the pdf, you will learn more about Gumboot and its history, discuss it with your group!
- Which country does Gumboot come from?
- Traditionally, why did the black South African mine-workers need to make music with their bodies?
- What was the most difficult movement for you? Why? (coordination, jumping, etc.)
- What was your level of breathlessness while dancing Gumboot? (Moderate to high intensity)
Variant(s)
Have the six basic movements been mastered by your group? Here are some ideas to challenge the campers!
- Ask them to create a routine and present it to the other teams.
- Teach another group what you’ve learned.
- Use your creativity to invent your own movement.
- Have your group form a long line and ask each camper to imitate the movement made by the camper in front of them.
- Incorporate Gumboot in your morning routine by involving the whole camp. Invite the other counselors to create movements and develop a camp routine.
Note: The Project Zulu video is not available, thank you for your understanding. This video aimed to illustrate a Gumboot dance by professionals, it is not essential for the activity.
