Throwing Shoes At Singers Or Dancers Is A High Compliment for Exceptional Performances (Part I)

Edited by Azizi Powell

Latest revision: June 13, 2022

This is Part I of a pancocojams series about the custom of throwing shoes or other items at singers or dancers as a high compliment for an exceptional performance.

This post present questions and answers about the custom of throwing shoes or other items at singers or dancers as a high compliment for an exceptional performance.

This post also includes selected comments from a YouTube video on this subject.

In addition, I've presented additional comments about this subject, including my thoughts about the similarities between the term "throwing shoes" [at a performer as a high compliment] and the phrase "snatching wigs" [to refer to an entertainer's outstanding performance.]

Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2019/12/two-videos-of-custom-of-throwing-shoes.html for Part I of this pancocojams series. That post presents an excerpt of an online article about the custom of throwing shoes at dancers as a high compliment. Two videos of this custom are showcased in this post along with selected comments from those videos' discussion threads are also included in that post.

The content of this post is presented for cultural purposes.

Additions and corrections are welcome.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post.
-snip-
Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2019/12/two-videos-of-custom-of-throwing-shoes.html for a closely related pancocojams post on this subject entitled "Two Videos Of The Custom Of Throwing Shoes At Performers: The Voice- Cedric Neal; & Urban Dance Camp - Keone & Mariel Madrid".

 ****
WHAT DOES THROWING SHOES OR OTHER ITEMS MEAN?
In the United States, throwing shoes or other items is a public action and a high compliment that acknowledges that the person throwing that item really appreciates and respects the intended performer's talents and skills.

****
WHERE DOES THE CUSTOM OF THROWING SHOES AT A PERFORMER AS A HIGH COMPLIMENT OCCUR & IN WHICH UNITED STATES POPULATION DID IT ORIGINATE?
Throwing shoes or other items at performers as a high compliment mostly occurs in the United States.

Based on a preponderance of online statements about this custom, it appears that this custom originated some time ago in certain African American churches.

At least for some years, the custom of throwing shoes or other items at performers as a high compliment has also been associated with certain dance communities, particularly urban dance ("street dancing", "break dancing", "Hip Hop") and with certain musical theater entertainers regardless of the race/ethnicities of those dancers or entertainers.

However, one online comment that I found indicates that this custom also occurred in Trinidad & Tobago. Read comment #27 below.

****
HOW OLD IS THIS CUSTOM?
I haven't found any documentation as to when the custom of throwing shoes or other items as a high compliment first occurred. However, commenters indicate that this custom is decades old among some African American churches* and among some dance communities in the United States.

*One commenter mentioned "small churches". Another commenter mentioned "Baptist churches", and another commenter mentioned "Southern churches". It's possible that this custom originated in (and may still largely be occur) in small, Southern, African American Baptist churches. However, even if that is an accurate description of where this custom originated, and I'm not sure of that, it certainly doesn't describe the totality of which populations currently engages in that custom.

****
WHAT ITEMS ARE THROWN AS A HIGH COMPLIMENT TO EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMERS?
Usually a person throws (or pretends to throw) only one of their shoes at singers or dancers who have given an exceptional performance. Besides shoes, some other items that online commenters noted have been thrown (or pretended to be thrown at performers are church fans, (women's church) hats, water, jackets, and a [talent show judges'] notebook, and even a Bible.

****
WHEN AND HOW DID THIS CUSTOM BECOME KNOWN TO MAINSTREAM UNITED STATES?
Some people in mainstream United States (i.e. people outside of the populations noted above who have been familiar with this custom) learned of this custom through celebrities throwing a shoe or other items at exceptional singers or dancers on various nationally televised talent competitions:
"On the Season 13 premiere episode of The Voice, new coach Jennifer Hudson joins Miley Cyrus, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton. All four are impressed when they hear the Blind Audition of Chris Weaver who sings “Try a Little Tenderness.” JHud is so impressed, she asks for Miley Cyrus’ shoe so she can throw it on stage. Chris Weaver knows what it means. JHud threw a shoe at him two years ago at a Color Purple party where he performed for her.

Throwing a shoe on stage is a sign of respect. And it ain’t new, especially on televised talent shows. In 2011, when Lady Gaga was a judge on So You Think You Can Dance, she was so moved by a performance that she cried and threw her shoe on stage. She explained that it’s a sign of respect in the dance world (inserted video not included in this excerpt). And apparently, on The Voice, it doesn’t have to be a shoe. When JHud heard Brooke Simpson sing “Stone Cold,” she threw her notebook on stage. That said, throwing a shoe at a politician means something different."...https://2paragraphs.com/2017/09/why-jennifer-hudson-throws-shoes-book-on-the-voice-stage/ Why Jennifer Hudson Throws Shoes, Book on ‘The Voice’ Stage
by 2Paragraphs in Culture, September 25, 2017
-snip-
In addition, some commenters point to YouTube dance videos such as "The Mask - Soundtrack / Keone & Mariel Madrid Choreography Showcase / URBAN DANCE CAMP", Jan 13, 2015 which show other dancers throwing sneakers and other shoes that aren't high heels) to honor the choreography and the skills of the couple who are featured in that Hip Hop/Swing dance video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EiS4zLdJgeU.

****
WHEN DOES THIS CUSTOM OCCUR?
Throwing shoes and other items usually occurs at the completion of the singer(s) or dancer(s) performance. However, people may act like they are going to throw a shoe or another item prior to the end of that performance (when they recognize the exceptional quality of that performance).

****
DOES THIS CUSTOM OCCUR DURING LARGE CONCERTS?
Online commenters note that this custom doesn't occur in large venues such as concerts. That is likely because throwing shoes in large venues would probably result in someone getting injured. Also, this custom is likely not to occur in large venues since it would be next to impossible to retrieve a shoe that was thrown in a large venue. Consequently, the person throwing that shoe would have to leave that venue with only one shoe.

****
WHEN IS THE EARLIEST ONLINE MENTION THAT I'VE FOUND TO DATE ABOUT THROWING SHOES OR OTHER ITEMS AT PERFORMERS AS A HIGH COMPLIMENT?
The earliest online mention of throwing shoes or other items at performers as a high compliment that I've found to date is a 2010 broadwayworld.com message board. Here are selected comments from that message board.
https://www.broadwayworld.com/board/readmessage.php?thread=1022449&boardid=2&boardname=off
Who Throws Shoes?? (Message Board) - Broadway World
Sep 26, 2010 - 13 posts - ‎11 authors
"cgichniowski
Who Throws Shoes??#1
Posted: 9/25/10 at 11:42pm
So...I'm working on a production of "The Wiz," and the other day at rehearsal, one of the leads gave such a rousing performance that the other actors threw shoes at the stage. They assured us that it was the highest praise known in the musical theatre world. I, no n00b in the musical theatre world, was baffled.

I'm curious--does anyone know how this tradition came about? Is anyone familiar with the tradition? Have you ever been compelled to throw shoes in a good way?"

**
REPLY
"ghostlight2
Posted: 9/25/10 at 11:55pm
I'm aware of it, and have seen it in theaters many times, but always as a response to a dance, not to singing or acting. It was always amongst the chorus people, and was definitely intended as high praise for the performance. I am not aware of its origin."

**
REPLY
"dramamama611
Posted: 9/28/10 at 6:00am
Never heard of it, never witnessed it. Are they Dutch?"
-snip-
There are thirteen comments in total on that message board. Most of the other comments were in response to commenter who said she threw her shoe at her husband when he pissed her off.

****
WHAT DOES THE TERM "SANGING" MEAN IN THE CONTEXT OF THIS CUSTOM?"
The African American Vernacular English term "sanging" is often used to refer to a singer's or singers' exceptional performance that may result in someone actually throwing a shoe or another item or -perhaps more often in larger venues. Usually, but not always, the singer who is "sanging" is Black.

"Sanging" ("sangin') is a present tense verb that means "to sing very well, especially to sing soulfully very well".

****
HOW DOES THE PERSON FEEL WHO THROWS A SHOE OR SOME OTHER ITEM AT A PERSON SANGING?
At least with regards to the custom of throwing a shoe or another item at a person "sanging" [singing very well, especially singing soulfully very well], it appears that sometimes the person who throws a show or another item is at least partly compelled to do this act against her or his will. The singer's awesome performance produces elevated feelings that result in the listener "going in" ("getting happy"; "feeling the Holy Spirit"). However, the listener may fight those feelings and experience anger toward the singer for causing her (or him) to "go there". In reaction to the feeling of being out of control, the listener might say things like "Don't make me do this" and later admit that she or he felt like hitting the singer. As a result of this lost of control, the listener throws a shoe at the singer. However, at some point, the listener isn't able to fight those elevated feelings any longer and has truly "gone in".

Here's two examples of these comments:
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uziVoBUrmnM
Oscar Winner Jennifer Hudson Starts a Shoe Throwing Trend
The Real Daytime, Oct 29, 2017

...[This custom] "More commonly happens when somebody can, not sing, but can sang, and I mean, can really sang! It just moves you to that point where you like, don’t make me do it!

**
From https://metro.co.uk/2019/01/12/voices-jennifer-hudson-confuses-viewers-throwing-heels-hopeful-8338516/ The Voice’s Jennifer Hudson confuses viewers by throwing heels at hopeful Cydney Yeates, 12 Jan 2019
..."Jennifer [Hudson] explained her shoe-throwing gag ahead of the current series, revealing: ‘It’s just I really don’t know how to define it…it’s a compliment though! ‘It means you are singing SO well I’m gonna throw my shoe at you! Y’know? And it’s the highest compliment is all I can say. ‘I kinda wanna hit ‘em but as they’re so far away the next best thing is I’m gonna grab my shoe and let them know!’"

****
WHY DO DANCERS THROW SHOES AT OTHER DANCERS?
One response to this question may be this comment that is given as #20 below (with the pertinent sentence given in italics :
Azyze, 2017
"Throwing shoes is common in the street dancing community. It really is a sign of respect -- you're so amazing, just take my shoes coz I'm done -- something to that effect. But of course those are sneakers, ballet shoes, slip ons. We don't chuck stilettos :p"
-snip-
"I'm done" here may have the same meaning as a "mic drop"- The performance was so good that no one else can do better, so they might as well not even try.
-snip-
Here are some additional thoughts on this subject (Added December 7, 2019)
With regard to my speculations about why some people who throw shoes at performers as a high compliment might say that they were mad at that performer and wanted to hit them: These thoughts and these descriptions of the feelings that people say that they had may be part of the culture associated with the "going in" experience but may not be the actual feelings of celebrities such as Jennifer Hudson who throw a shoe (or a judge's notebook) at a person competing in a talent show. In other words, those celebrities may use the same terminology to describe how they felt about that outstanding performance and why they decided to throw a shoe without actually feeling the same way they feel prior to or actually "getting happy" (i.e. "going in" or "getting ready to go in" to an elevated religious experience.

**
It should be noted that "getting happy" isn't part of the worship experience of every African American church (in the past and now). Some African American church members-such as myself- have little to no experience with people "getting happy", i.e."going in","shouting", "doing holy dances", "speaking in tongues", and/or throwing shoes at singers as a public expression of appreciation.

**
The vernacular phrase "snatched my wig" conveys the same or similar high compliment as "throwing a shoe" at an outstanding performer. Here's a definition of "wig snatched" and two examples of that phrase from https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Wig%20Snatching
"Wig Snatching
A term used mainly by gay men and women to express extreme happiness or excitement when their diva has done something amazing, shocking, or gives life by any means

See also wig scalped
"Beyoncé out here wig snatching with that Bowl Performance!"

"Did you see how Mariah came for Demi Lovato on Watch What Happens Live? I died! Wig snatched."
#wig#wig snatched#wig snatching#scalped#i live#gives life
by User_nombre April 15, 2017"
-snip-
The meaning behind the phrase [having one's] wig snatched" is that, given how important wearing a wig is during a female impersonator's performance, the lack of a wig would mean that person would be unable to perform and the person who snatched the wig (because their performance was so awesome) would be declared the winner by default of that competition.

The phrase "snatched my wig" originated in the mostly African American drag queen community. A number of persons in that community are or may have been members of African American churches where getting happy and throwing shoes or other items as a high compliment are or were normal occurrences.

I note these points to emphasize the similarities between these the vernacular sayings "snatch a wig" and "throw a shoe" and to highlight that it's likely that both of these vernacular sayings have African American sources.

Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2019/06/examples-of-comments-from-youtube.html for the related pancocojams post entitled "Examples Of Comments From The YouTube Discussion Thread Of Todrick Hall's Video "Nails, Hair, Hips, Heels" That Refer To Wigs Being Snatched".

****
IS THE STATEMENT "YOU GIVE ME SOUL/I GIVE YOU SOLE" A NEW EXPLANATION FOR THE CUSTOM OF THROWING SHOES AT SINGERS WHO SANG?
Some articles and discussion threads about this custom refer to it as "You give me soul and I give you sole", meaning you sing soulfully very well ("sang") and I will show you the sole of my shoe or throw that shoe at you". Here are two examples from https://metro.co.uk/2019/01/12/voices-jennifer-hudson-confuses-viewers-throwing-heels-hopeful-8338516/
..."☆💫 Jojo 💫☆
@JoMeganH
Looooool @IAMJHUD with her shoe throwing "you give me soul I give you sole" madness 😂😂😂 and you know the singer is good when she's heckling them 😁👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 #TheVoiceUK

3:39 PM - Jan 12, 2019"

**
..."Viewers raced to Twitter to discuss the scenes they’d just witnessed, asking: ‘Why does jhud chuck her shoes? I thought it was an insult.’ Luckily Will.i.am was around to explain what it means, telling Cedric later in the show: ‘When somebody throws their shoe, that means you’ve got soul.’ Soul, sole… we get it now."
-snip-
I believe that "soul for sole" saying is something that someone (singer/composer Will I AM?) created as a "backstory" explanation for this old African American church custom that was also adopted by certain dancers. That soul/sole play on words might fit one meaning of that custom, but it doesn't necessarily fit the entire meaning of publicly acknowledging and showing appreciation for outstanding performances.

****
EXAMPLES OF COMMENTS ABOUT THROWING SHOES AT PERFORMERS AS A COMPLIMENT
From the discussion thread for https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uziVoBUrmnM
(with numbers added for referencing purposes only)

Oscar Winner Jennifer Hudson Starts a Shoe Throwing Trend
The Real Daytime, Oct 29, 2017

"As a new mentor on "The Voice," Jennifer Hudson started a trend: throwing your shoe out of respect for a hot voice.

Would you want someone to throw their shoe at you? Sound off in the comments!"
-snip-
1. T Monique, 2017
"Growing up in the black church for over 30 years, throwing shoes were compliments as a result of good old gospel singing from the soul. Jhud is just bringing the custom to the "mainstream" audience. Nothing new at all. And it was always done in a way that it wouldn't hurt anyone, as Jennifer did. The perfect shoe throwing technique...lol"

**
2. Lanae Lyles, 2017
"I'm so confused! Shoe throwing is a common practice in the Traditional African American Church! Lol. We've been doin this forever. If you sang well at a program or something we may goof off and throw a shoe at you. It doesnt happen all the time being that it takes a way from the main focus sometimes, but we definitely do it. Usually we just take the shoe off and act like we will. Lol. It sounds as if they think its new."

**
3. ModernBohemian, 2017
"Ya'll.... this has been a common occurrence in the dance and Black entertainment communities for years... it's not a big deal. It's a show of appreciation and awe for an awesome performance :)"

**
4. Moonchild, 2017
"Shoe throwing is a complimentary for dancers. Only other celebrity (besides Jennifer) I've seen that did this was Lady Gaga. She's been in the dancing world, so she knows."

**
5. N P, 2017
"Ummm that is a tradition in the dance, glee and Black communities already...."

**
REPLY
6. firacosplay, 2017
"N P
exactly...i was thinking "this isn't a new trend"

**
REPLY
7. Tyrone Thompson, 2019
"Danyel Fulton I could sort of get where they coming from, we know of this, but Jenny brought it more main stream, but, yes, you see that shoe go off, you bettuh straight up sang!"
-snip-
The commenter "Danyel Fulton" probably changed her screen name as that name isn't found in this sub-thread.

"Jenny" is Soul singer/actress Jennifer Hudson.

**
REPLY
8. tyerra1213, 2017
"I thought it was weird when I read the title but some southern baptist churches throw things when youre singing very well. Its the church equivalent of Yaaaass girl, you betta werk!"

**
REPLY
9. NunyJr, 2017
"You’re right, Gaga threw her shoe towards a contestant on So You Think You Can Dance."

**
10. Mati Grace, 2017
"It’s not like she chucks the shoe at the person she just gently throws it like 15 feet in front of them, chill people"

**
REPLY
11. Danielle Cleary, 2017
"Mc1234 THANK YOU!!! i said the EXACT same thing when they were saying how dangerous it is. maybe they should watch at least clips of her throwing the shoe first. she's thrown plenty lol"

**
REPLY
12. LaDii Naya, 2017
"Exactly what I was saying! She would be fired if she threw it directly at the contestant to hit them."

**
13. Brandon Mr.Unattainable Sloan, 2017
"This is definitely rooted in black church. If you SANGING, black folks will pick up anything and throw it at u."

**
14. Kin Dee, 2017
"That's a black thing y'all. You know if yo auntie or grandma threw a shoe at you if you did something good that's good. Its very common. If you sound good they'll throw their shoe and go yes baby yes!!!!!"

**
REPLY
15. Tiffany Ann, 2017
"Kin Dee exactly! I was in a gospel choir and When someone would SANG, a shoe or something would get thrown at them out of excitement! Lol And that was a decade ago"

**
REPLY
16. Tyrone Thompson, 2017
"Tiffany Ann girl, the first thought always, you bettuh sang! Then it gets real good, bam, off comes the shoe!"

**
REPLY
17. Ki2elegance LLC, 2017
"Throwing shoes doesn’t make sense to me😂"

**
REPLY
18. Tyrone Thompson, 2019
"Ki2elegance LLC it didn’t to me at first, but i sort of get it, you have to had grown up in that type of family or set of friends with a musical background. More commonly happens when somebody can, not sing, but can sang, and I mean, can really sang! It just moves you to that point where you like, don’t make me do it!

**
19. Cornell Clincy, 2017
"It's Really Something That's Common In The Black Church.. When Someone Is Singing They'll Throw Something At The Individual As A Sign Of Them Doing Well!! #FunFact

EXAMPLE: Heather Headly Throwing Her Shoes At Her Cast Mates From "The Color Purple" Broadway Show While They Were Singing "I Won't Complain" To Honor Her!"

**
20. Azyze, 2017
"Throwing shoes is common in the street dancing community. It really is a sign of respect -- you're so amazing, just take my shoes coz I'm done -- something to that effect. But of course those are sneakers, ballet shoes, slip ons. We don't chuck stilettos :p"

**
21. DNatuRyles, 2017
"Oh My GOD...Jennifer took them to "Church"! I am from the dirty south. I have seen shoes, hats, fans, ...etc thrown. THAT HOLY GHOST fire!"

**
22. Debbie218, 2017
"She didn't start the trend. I found out about this 10 years ago when I went to an HBCU. If you can really sing, a shoe or whatever is handy at the moment will be thrown at you."
-snip-
HBCU = historically Black college and university

**
23. Jamia Randall, 2017
"But she doesn't just toss a shoe lol on the the voice she tossed a notebook lol"

**
24. O Of, 2017
"In the black community, singers and dancers would get shoes thrown at them if they do a good job. My choir director used to throw his shoes at the soprano section all the time."

**
25. chinouyamale, 2017
"You people are so secular. Its a OLD saying in the Black Gospel community. Its actually a compliment. That means the singer is really performing well,. Nobody actually throws a shoe, so I dont understand why JHUD has to be so extra about it.#TELEVISIONPEOPLE...UGH"

**
26. Jordan Harrington, 2017
"YOU BETTA SANG!!!or CHY I BOUT THREW THIS SHOE AT YOU!!! = It's an exaggerated compliment but a compliment nonetheless in the black community 😂
-snip-
"CHY" is probably a form of the internet slang abbreviation "CHYA" which is a euphemism for "sh&t yeah".

**
27. Jamila Gomez, 2017
"In Trinidad and Tobago during some calypso competitions people throw toilet paper, etc at the performers (not a compliment) but at my university (UWI) they had a poetry event called U.We Speak where you did have to throw your shoe if you were feeling the artist. More shoes means more love."

**
28. Christine Bey AllRightsReserved, 2017
"It's a southern/old skool type of thing. The tossing of the shoe at one, is not meant to be an insult, and it's not like someone is hurling a shoe at someone. It's done a certain way were the person(s) won't be hurt."...

**
29. Kaleionalani Reyes, 2017
"NO! This is not a trend started by Jennifer Hudson. This started in the Dance Community. THIS IS ABSOLUTLEY NOT A TREND STARTED BY J HUDSON."

**
REPLY
30. Royce Mosley, 2017
"Kaleionalani Reyes this did not begin in the dance community; it began in the black church. they'd wave or throw their program, shoe etc...."

**
REPLY
31. Kaleionalani Reyes, 2017
"Ooooooh! Okay, I can see this. I don’t know how it started in the dance community BUT I can’t deny that Hip Hop/Music and the Black Community go hand in hand. Therefore (I believe) that the dance community is just as much in that hand shake as well. So I am not surprised that this started in the black church. Nice. 🙌🏽 I will say though, I’ve never seen it myself in a Black Church but this is a very popular “reaction” in the Dance Community and is OFTEN seen in studios, workshops and freestyle circles."

**
32. Justin Pineda, 2017
"This is a dance community thing. If you go to a master class and a group or solo is amazing you throw your shoes at the group/solo or the choreographer/s because they killed it.

I'm a dancer, I've had people throw their shoes at me when I did a solo"

**
33. Chloe, 2017
"I used to dance at university, when people killed a performance in the studio, we’d throw our shoes. I think it’s done in a lot of dance studios. I doubt it’s new."

**
34. Trending Trent, 2017
"In the world of dance; shoes are thrown if the choreography is dope!"

**
35. sh, 2017
"a woman throwing her shoe during a performance comes from small black churches. some times she wont throw it but take it and position herself to throw it, when some one is really giving a great performance. thats where Jennifer got this from"

**
36. Anthia Bernice, 2017
"This is nothing new though, I don't think it's fair to say that she "started" the trend. In the dance world, you get thrown stuff (shoes, jackets, etc.) on you when people really enjoy your performances. :)"

**
37. RoyalMasterpiece, 2017
"It happens in churches. Water and Shoes (not together). lol You have to aim low at the feet."

**
38. Brianna Garcia, 2017
"Dancers been doing this forever lol 😂"

**
39. Andrew Coleman, 2017
"Shoe throwing at great singing isn’t new lol it’s a compliment in the black community"

**
40. Christian Dixon, 2017
"People if you're singing and someone who is highly respected or a person in general throws their shoe at you they're not trying to hurt you it means you can sang.... Trust me the person throwing the shoe will never hit you 😭💯"

**
41. Tyrone Smith, 2017
"Now where I’m from it truly is a compliment to have a shoe thrown at you 😂😂 Crazy but true!! It simply means that you are SANGING.. it’s not to be taken as a threat of any kind!! And I’m from Selma,Al btw 😁"

**
42. JasMontrell, 2017
"y'all don't understand what it is to be a sanger!Lol Jennifer Hudson is amazing when she performs so the fact that she threw a show at somebody to express how amazing they were its a compliment! sometimes y'all get lost in these stories as if the person were trying to hurt her but no they were saying with an act how excited she made them"

**
43. Jennifer Cayanan, 2017
"for dancers at workshops, when you perform a piece and its really good, they do throw their shoes at you as a compliment"

**
44. Jordan’s World, 2018
"I was singing in church and had a bible thrown at me, one of the most confusing moments of my life"

**
45. Jokeisha Gray, 2018
"That's an ole Baptist move. Yes God."

**
46. Darlene Ceciliaa, 2018
"The shoe thing as a compliment is something that comes from the dance community (as far as I know). If someone's choreography or solo is amazing, other dancers at the class throw their shoes as they cheer them on."

**
47. Jewels 29, 2018
"Usually this is how you show appreciation when someone DANCES great especially on the break dance/hip hop"

**
48. Benjamin Dada, 2018
"No in black churches, when the choir sings and u are so moved that they actually throw stuff at u that's where jhud got it from
-snip-
“jhud=Jennifer Hudson

****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.

Visitor comments are welcome.