Aboriginal artists from WA poised to make international history
24 May 2006
On their first visit to the United Kingdom, the Bardi Dancers from One Arm Point Community will make history on the 5th June 2006 with the performance of ILMA, at the iconic landmark Stonehenge UK.
Two ancient cultures collide in an exchange never before seen, with the Indigenous peoples of Australia, performing in a ceremonial site and cultural symbol of the European Colony. These performances are groundbreaking and significant. As Salisbury’s cultural artists in residence the Bardi Dancers will explain and perform Dreamtime stories in sacred places of Wiltshire – Stonehenge, Salisbury Cathedral, Wardour Castle and Old Sarum.
The Bardi Dancers are a traditional male dance troupe comprised of Elders and future leaders of the Bardi nation. Originating from the Ardiyooloon Community [formerly One Arm Point] in the North-West of Western Australia, Bardi Dancers have performed nationally and internationally including Stompem Ground [2002] Karl Karniny – Perth International Arts Festival [2003], Adelaide Fringe [2004] Keeping the Fire Burning Canadian – Australian exchange Melbourne [2004] and a festival performance in South Korea [2004].
They are keepers of traditional culture and stories, through song and dance. Their style is very distinctive. They are salt-water people who perform with intricate totems depicting coastal life and traditional hunting practises, handed down orally and visually from generation to generation – a strong example of living culture in contemporary society.
The Bardi Dancers are being toured as part of a contingent of world-class Western Australian Aboriginal talent, which in itself will be the first time such a strong representation of Western Australian acts will occur at an International arts festival.
