Coon dance
(You will find Coon dance on DVD 2, track 4)
Background information
Coon dancing originated three hundred years ago in the Cape region of South Africa. Slaves danced it on their day off to celebrate their freedom. The dance style was influenced by 19th century vaudeville, but over time it has also incorporated influences from contemporary dance and music styles, particularly Latin American dancing. Dancers move their shoulders, hands, feet, and hips to express humour and happiness.
The term 'coon' is derived from 'raccoon' since the dancers would paint their faces black and white. 'Coon' was initially a derogatory term (used to describe American black slaves), but today many mixed-race people use it to assert their cultural identity. Since the slaves' emancipation, there has been an annual Coon Carnival in Cape Town, similar to the Brazilian carnivals.
The group shown on the video is The Auckland City Dukes. Its members belong to families who have migrated to New Zealand from South Africa. Their colourful, sparkling bowler hats, jackets, and trousers reflect the fact that the dance is often performed at carnivals.
Related websites
All About Jazz. www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=889
2Camels.com www.2camels.com/destination55.php3