MOUNT Isa’s Indigenous dance troupe has received an invitation to perform in the Laura Aboriginal Dance Festival later this year.
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The Sundowners prepares for the biennial festival to be held on June 30 to July 2 in Cape York. The festival’s website says 20 communities in the region and 500 performers perform.
Preparations are held at the same time as a membership drive for the troupe. Member Sheree Blackley said the Sundowners were seeking more Indigenous members of all ages and backgrounds.
The invitation came from the traditional owners of Mapoon, the Tjungundji nation, she said.
The Sundowners practice sessions were held weekly.
“And we will also be teaching bush survival skills and traditional skills like making fire with sticks, bush tucker. We’re hoping to do that once a month, take the kids out to country.” Her children also danced in the group and she was proud they were able to connect to their culture together.
“It gives us a good base in understanding who we are. It gives us pride and confidence.”
Those interested in joining can call 0434 648 809 or visit the Kalkadoon office at 109 Barkly Highway.
16-year-old Sundowners dancer Kaydon Radecker said; “I enjoy representing my culture and showing people how to enjoy dancing.”