Pantsula

Pantsula is a highly energetic dance form that originated in the black townships of South Africa during the Apartheid era. It developed into a form of social commentary for black South Africans and has undergone several transformations with the country's changing political tides.

Pantsula dance emerged in the 1950s and 1960s as a response to the forced removals implemented by the Apartheid government, shortly after its ascent to power. It began in Alexandra and Sophiatown, two townships around Johannesburg, as groups of older men engaged in informal street dance competitions. Gradually the dance form spread throughout South Africa. By the 1980s, pantsula was practiced by black South Africans of all ages and no longer limited to men. It began to develop more political overtones. Pantsula was used as an expression of resistance during the political struggle then occurring against the Apartheid government, as well as being used to spread awareness about social issues such as AIDS. After the end of Apartheid in 1994, pantsula persisted as an expression of cultural roots for many black South Africans. It also gained popularity in the white community of South Africa and has begun to take on new meanings as a dance form for all.

Pantsula is a syncopated, quick-stepping, low to the ground form of dance which evokes the urban street culture of which it is a part. It is performed by groups of dancers who practice together for many hours each week. It provides a powerful, stylized form of expression for those who dance it. As one pantsula dancer describes it “we have drive, we are one, we have power, we are young, strong and quick, we have our own style and we are competitive.” For pantsula, the group is very important to the dance.

It developed from the Sotho dances Mqaquanga and Marabi with influence by 1930s American jazz. Later evolutions of pantsula dancing in the 1980s were influenced by American hiphop and breakdance. Quick, darting steps in geometric lines with an uneven rhythmic quality characterize this form of movement. The Charleston, a knock-kneed manoeuvre from American jazz, as well as popping and locking found in American hiphop are also found in this form of dance. The word itself, pantsula, is Zulu and refers to “waddling like a duck.” This flat-footed move with buttocks sticking out behind the body is commonplace in the dance form.

Pantsula is divided into three distinct styles: Western Style, Slow Poison, and Futhuza. Western Style is the most typically found form, and it is highly rigorous. Arms remain wrapped around an upright torso while the feet move in extremely fast and particular shuffling and jumping movements as groups of dancers move in and out of geometric formations. This form requires good physical command of the body. Slow Poison is like Western style in form—mostly stationary arms with intricate lower body movements but it is performed in a slow, steady fashion with a constant beat. Futhuza is infused with elements of American breakdancing and hiphop. This form utilizes the somewhat disjointed, sometimes fluid, robotic motion of popping and locking.

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