Year 8 History - Limbo and Slavery
16th September 2022
Limbo dancing is said to have originated in West Africa.
Some historians have seen a link with African – American slavery.
Slaves taken from Africa to the Americas would have to be exercised otherwise they would die and be worthless to the slave owners.
Therefore during the voyage, slave owners would force the slaves on deck and make them dance to keep fit.
It has been suggested that the limbo dance was used on the slave ships.
Another interesting idea is that the limbo style is also symbolic of the lack of space given to slaves in the horrible conditions below deck.
The movement under a low bar and the coming out on the other side might also represent escape from slavery.
This term Year 8 are studying the African Peoples of the Americas. We have recently been discussing the appalling conditions on board the slave ships and what life would have been like for the slaves.
I hope you enjoy Year 8’s tribute to the limbo dancers past and present.
Mr Daniels
