Torres Strait Islands Dances from Djarragun College

Photos from the Real AUSTRALIA

The Torres Strait Islands are a unique part of Australia, situated between the tip of Cape York, Far North Queensland, and the south coast of Papua New Guinea. Its people are Melanesian, not Aboriginal, and their culture is close to that of adjacent areas in PNG. Their dances are accompanied by wooden gongs and snake-skin covered hour glass drums that come from Papua New Guinea. The different islands have their own distinct dances, like those of Mer (also known a Murray Island) and Saibai Island, just off the coast with Papua New Guinea.

Djarragun College is a school with mainly indigenous students (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander), about 30 km south of Cairns, the main town of Far North Queensland. It has, since its beginning in 2001, acquired a great reputation. Its students, ranging from Preschool age until post Year 12 are very keen on their traditional cultural dances; the first dance groups were formed by students from Murray Island (or Mer) in the eastern Torres Strait Islands, guided by their elders. Senior students' dance groups were soon followed by the younger kids that were, if possible, even more enthusiastic performers.

There are contemporary social dances, in which the costume for the men nowadays includes a white singlet and "lap-lap", wraparound cloth, accompanied by drums and harmonious singing. There is traditional chanting as well, accompanying some of the dances or just drumming as in the fast "Silent Dance". They perform during festivities in the school, like during the Awards ceremonies or at the official opening of new additions to the school campus. They are also often asked to perform at venues around Cairns. Here are some examples of the Murray Island dancers from Djarragun College.

If you like to see a video of this, just click on the small picture.