Heat One: Traditional, Episode 1

Torres Strait Islands, Bamaga

Naygayiw Gigi in the Kalaw Kawaw Ya language of Saibai Island, Torres Strait, means "northern thunder". Our troupe has members from Mura Buway -- the seven clans of Saibai Island, and we are committed to preservation, revitalisation and maintenance of the Saibailgaw culture of the people that established the communities of Bamaga and Seisia. Our dance group serves as a beacon for the future generation to see and experience the wonderful possibilities that practice of culture can achieve, instill pride and increase self-esteem as First Nation's people. 2015 Winners.

New South Wales, Yango Central Coast

We always dance together to pay respect to our old people and our country. Dance Rites is very important to our younger generation, so they can see that our culture is alive and strong. This year we are dancing with our women to show how important and strong in culture they are.

Northern Territory, Dhalinbuy

Djakapurra was the cultural advisor for Bangarra Dance Theatre for 30 years, and has performed internationally. He is the song man of the group and a choreographer. We are a little group of family from all different areas.

Western Australia, Balgo

We are the women of the Kutjunka, that includes the communities of Balgo, Mulan and Billiluna. We are representing the women of the seven language groups of this part of the Great Sandy Desert on the Tanami Road. Many years ago two Spirit Sisters called Kapululangu came to this place bringing with them a new Law that told us to all come together and dance together. Even when we have our differences we can all come together and practise this Law together peacefully and as one people. Kapululangu was formed in 1999 by our most Senior Elders. All but one of the 16 founding women have now passed and we are continuing to dance and practise the Law that they taught to us. We follow in their footsteps.

New South Wales, Coffs Harbour

Wajaar Ngaarlu (earth water) Dance Troupe is based in Coffs Harbour on the NSW north coast, Gumbaynggirr country. Wajaarr Ngaarlu was formed in 2017 as a way to revitalise our language, stories, songs and dance. It is hoped that by entering into Dance Rites our community will support our troupe and carry much pride at the effort to bring back our cultural practices.

Queensland, Mapoon

Culture is important to us, our culture came from our great great grandfathers who keep on passing it down. And now I am the elder and I am dancing.

New South Wales, Blue Mountains

Wagana means 'dancing now' in Wiradjuri language. We are mixed racial heritage. Some of us have fair skin, some have freckles, some have brown eyes and some have blue, but whilst our outside appearances are different, our Gundyarri, our Spirits, are connected. We deeply respect Country, our cultural protocols and practices, our Ancestors and Elders and the traditional custodians of the Countries we dance on. When we dance we connect with all of this as well as each other. 

The impact of colonisation in Australia is ongoing and as First Nations women and girls born into this legacy we live with and are impacted by colonial trauma. It’s often unseen, it’s not always felt and it doesn’t consume, but it is present and acknowledged in the Wagana space.

Queensland, Injinoo

We will use the Bu shell to call, like a trumpet. It is for welcoming to the island from my grandfathers, as soon as the bu goes, everyone knows when and where to assemble, we will use the Bu shell in our dance. Bu is welcoming, a call out to the community, the village, to come to the place where they always meet.

New South Wales,  Bowraville

As we dance together we share culture which is what we have done for centuries, our dance group has evolved and shared many names across that time. Our name Bawrrung is the name of the cabbage palm tree that grows on the coast, hinterlands and mountains of the Gumbaynggirr and Dunghutti Nations on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales.

Torres Strait Islands, Saibai Island

We are originally from Saibai Island, but all my dancers are born and bred in Bamaga, our traditional language is Saibai, but we also speak Creole and English. Most songs and stories are from Saibai in Saibai language, but we also create new songs and stories and dances.

Queensland, Sunshine Coast

Gubbi Gubbi dance are based on the Sunshine Coast QLD and have been performing together for the past 25 years. We are Coastal Salt Water People. Our lands are well known for long days of sunshine and warm winter ocean temperatures. We are proud to showcase our Stories of Country and Language through our song and dance with all of the community.

Northern Territory, Warramungu

Competing in Dance Rites is important as it promotes the preservation of culture and the opportunity to share the Warumungu culture with our nation and the wider world. It would bring a lot of pride to the people of our country. The songs and dance we perform provide a spiritual connection and well-being to our country. It is important to share this with our nation and the wider world.

Queensland, Boigu Island

Kutaw Zoeru (evening sunset) is a Torres Strait Islander dance group , based in Brisbane. All performers are from Boigu Island which is the the Northern most inhabited island on the Torres Strait (And Australia). There are 5 generations of families performing from elders to young children. The performers share their traditional songs and dances that have been passed down from generation to gerneation and which are based on everyday life of island stories.