Young Aboriginal dancers perform at Sydney Opera House

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 20:32 · Archive

An all-female Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dance ensemble will perform at the Sydney Opera House in the DanceRites competition.

An all-female Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dance ensemble led by Wala Connections creative director Thara Brown will perform at the Sydney Opera House in their DanceRites debut. The Boonwurrung Ngargee Dance Group comprises girls and young women aged 13 to 22 who learn and share local stories and culture through dance, with guidance from Boonwurrung Elder N'arweet Carolyn Briggs, Member of the Order of Australia.

DanceRites, described as Australia's only national dance competition for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups, will bring more than 300 performers to the Opera House Forecourt, sharing the traditions of some 50 nations and clans. The ensemble brings together young people from different languages and clans.

Brown said the contemporary approach to their performance was important in honouring the evolution of cultural storytelling. 'The stories are old but the practice is modern, even though it has traditional elements, and that's really important in protecting these young women from any judgment about what they can and can't do,' she said. She also emphasised the importance of 'honouring the traditional owners of the lands we live on and around'. The work carries historical significance, with Elders helping pass on cultural knowledge after generations of First Nations people were prevented from practising their culture.

Young Aboriginal dancers perform at Sydney Opera House — Image: The West Australian

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How it is being reported

Young dancers to bring 'culture alive' at Opera HouseAn all-female dance ensemble is set to take centre stage at the Sydney Opera House, bringing cultural stories to life in their DanceRites debut.The West Australian · 16 Oct, 20:01
Young dancers to bring 'culture alive' at Opera HouseAn all-female dance ensemble is set to take centre stage at the Sydney Opera House, bringing cultural stories to life in their DanceRites debut.Perth Now · 16 Oct, 20:01

In this story: Thara Brown · N'arweet Carolyn Briggs · Wala Connections · Boonwurrung Ngargee Dance Group · Sydney Opera House

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