Responsibility - 2009, 2018
2009 Milpirri - Jurntu
Responsibility
Description of Dance
The dancers need to take both individual responsibility for getting their dances right, as well as a shared group responsibility. Some of the moves need one person to look after another and make them feel safe.
Choreography
Nick (Japanangka) Power with Caleb Japanangka Patrick
2009 Milpirri - Jurntu
Artefact Dance: Kurrwa (Stone Axe) and Mardu (Water Carrier)
Description of Dance
It is the responsibility of everyone to maintain the important tools such as the stone axe that makes everything else, and the water carrier without which there is no life. This dance draws on actions of chopping, grinding, and water collection.
Choreography
Nick (Japananka) Power, Jenelle (Nakamarra) Saunders, Jess (Napangardi) Devereux and Caleb Japanangka Patrick
2018 Milpirri - Jurntu
Responsibility - Kuruwarri
Description of Dance
The kurrwa (stone axe) and mardu (water carrier) are extremely important artifacts which blue group are responsible for. The overall movement style is influenced by the striking and cutting motion of the stone axe.
The opening routine consists of cutting shape and popping technique. Following this, the dancers make a huddle to they are all responsible for the stone axe and the mardu.
The blue group then does some ‘call and response’ with the rest of the dancers. The blue group act out axe movements and the rest of the dancers respond with different movements inspired by other artifacts including the digging stick, grinding stone and mardu. This represents the stone axe role in creating the rest of the artifacts.
The last section with the blue group ends with one dancer reaching and holding an axe. This is a reference to the story of a blue group man who had keeps the axe away from a demon who keeps trying to steal it from him.
Choreography
Aaron (Jangala) Lim
Tracks Dance Team
Aaron (Jangala) Lim
"Working in Lajamanu taught me that dance can mean different things to different people and different cultures. I try to take that into account whenever I teach or collaborate with other dancers."