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Junior Wakka Wakka Corroboree Dance Group

Aim

The Junior Wakka Wakka Dance Group at Cherbourg State School aims to develop pride in Aboriginal culture by teaching children, from Prep year to Year 7, the traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corroboree dances.

Background

The dance group has performed for a number of years under the guidance of teachers and teacher aides from the school community. Using school staff to teach the dances has been a great advantage as they know the children and have daily contact with them at school. In accordance with tradition, corroboree dances are performed by males, so only boys can take part in the dance group. Read more

Why it Works

The program works well because the boys want to be a part of it. If they behave and try to do the right thing at school, they can be a part of the group. To miss out on a dance session is seen by the boys as severe punishment, as it’s a highlight of their week. They enjoy learning about their culture and the traditions of the past, which is obvious when they perform. Read more

Advice to others who might want to try this in their communities

The current dance teachers believe there is a good chance of a group like this continuing as long as someone from the local community who is committed and passionate about traditional dance, is involved in teaching. Also, it helps to have a core group of boys who are committed and who will encourage others to develop a strong group of dancers.

The Wakka Wakka Dance Group lessons are now an integral part of the school curriculum. They take place during school hours two afternoons a week when other students are involved in other activities. So it is not seen as a way of getting out of class, but is an activity the students choose while others choose another activity. This helps the program to be held in high esteem by the children and members of the community.

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