Dances of Southern Africa

Stamping, shaking and tumbling: these are some of the styles of Southern African dancing that were showcased at mine dances. For recreation, migrant mine workers from various indigenous tribes would perform dances from their home villages in traditional dress. Soon this practice evolved into an important venue that was open to the public. The film features dances of the Zulu, Karanga, Ndau, Xhosa, Valley Tonga, and Barotse, among others, both in the mine dance arenas and in their villages.