TRADITIONAL Boandik stories of the Limestone Coast were transformed into unique dances at Mount Gambier City Hall last week during the Winda-Mara cultural dance workshop.
The session – hosted by Pangula Mannamurna – was the first of two held during the school holidays which give children throughout the region an opportunity to learn more about the Aboriginal culture.
Co-coordinator of the program Robert Miles said the aim of the workshops were for children to learn about and develop pride in their culture while also preserving the art of dance.
“Dance is very important to Aboriginal culture, it forms a part of ceremonies and is taught from a young age,” he said.
Children worked together to create a dance based on Kantabul the Whale and Craitbul the Giant Boandik Ancestor – a story written by local Boandik woman Aunty Penny.
It is envisaged the workshop program will lead to the formation of a permanent cultural dance troupe for all ages across the Limestone Coast.
“We are looking for children – especially younger ones – who would like to join in and form a large troupe in the region,” Mr Miles said.
The Winda-Mara cultural dance workshop program was funded by Grants SA.
