More Gory Gorey GUMBOOT!

Last school year, the gumboot dance group was a popular group on campus. Gumboot made its big debut at the International Banquet in February and since then, the group has been on the rise. Quite a few of BSU's own members double in this group, including Nick (founder), myself, Tish, and Allan, and from this year, Alejandro Fuentes and Thabo Liphoto.

But the big event for gumboot was the End of the Year Showcase where we would perform a piece in front of a live audience! Constant recruiting and four hour practices for months and finally the big day arrived! The week of the event we practiced from six pm until 9:30 every day--it was tough!

Chelsea, Katie and Claire toughing it out

Backstage, once makeup was found, fought over, and applied, much of the rest of the time was spent doing homework while each group took turns practicing on the stage. We had run into quite a few problems with our Shosholoza performance: first, our "gum boots" were not allowed on the stage, which we felt greatly detracted from the name of our group (Gumboot). It was because od this that the name Shosholoza came about. We had tried adding a platform to the front of the stage where we could use our boots, but it turned out to be dangerously tiny (and wobbly!) After much more trials, we decided to stick to sneakers, and although we were disappointed, we soon became in good spirits.

Hari's bright smile put us all in a good mood

It was not all work and pain, though. Waiting was a good time for bonding and playing group games. We started the tradition of playing a fun, quick game before our performances to get ourselves pumped and excited. We always had lots of fun!

Hannah shares her bright smile with another performer

in full stage makeup down under

We had a great response from the crowd, and thankfully, no one messed up! It was an amazing way to end for the year.

the gumboot team at the International Banquet

Great job gumboot! Come back even stronger this year!

And no, I did not leave you hanging! Here is the video from the More Gory Gorey showcase, brought to you by the Whitman Dance Theater. Enjoy!

Love,

BSU!