DANCE
Warrma or corroborree was an integral part of traditional life on Cape York. Singing and dance was part of everyday life as well as being used in ceremonies and seasonal gatherings. It was used as a way of education, argument and entertainment.
This tradition was broken with the arrival of the European invaders. In our area, the Lutheran missionaries banned the old ceremonies and cultural festivals, and punished bama for singing and dancing in the old ways.
Warrma was brought back to the Hope Vale community in the late seventies and early eighties. At the time of the first Cape York Dance Festival held in Cooktown in 1983, two Hope Vale men were singing for the Guguu Yimithirr dancers performing at the festival. The words they sang were “Walaa-ga! Walaaa-ga! gaban-malin nhun buga thapi-ya” (Watch out! Watch out! The missionary might kick you in the backside!”).
Every two years, Aboriginal people from communities throughout the Cape and beyond gather to meet relatives and friends at the Laura Dance Festival. Dancers of all ages represent their stories and traditions to a mixed audience drawn from all over the world. The Hope Vale dancers are keen participants in this unique event which represents an ancient tradition, yet reflects our participation in the modern world.
More photos from dance preformances and workshops.
Young dancers from Hope Vale at the Laura Dance Festival on YouTube.