Nardji dancers of Borroloola

The Ngardiji dance is about the mermaid dreaming from the Barkly Tablelands. The story goes like this: An old lady had a dream about the mermaids. The song was sung by the Wakaya mob in their language. It was meant only for the Women until a man saw them singing and dancing. The man they called ‘Yirrinju’.
The women saw him and they told him that it was a Yuwulyu for women only he, said that it was a good song and it should be shared by both Men and Women. The old lady then brought it back to Borroloola from the Barkly Tablelands. Today they sing and dance the Mermaid dance.

The team of dancers and singers from the Yanyula People of Borroloola is making a special cultural exchange visit to the region. They have their own unique expression of culture in dance song and language. They are working together to make a stronger image and understanding of Aboriginal presence in this country. The Yanyula group are all women

They will be able to tell their stories in verse and movement. In places they come together and places they move away. Underlying this is the fabric that covers all Australia. The group will be meeting local people of the region to share story.

We will also be available to visit schools to give a one hour performances and possible follow-up workshops. The workshops can focus on dance, arts and crafts and community social perspectives and the environment. We are also offering for the first time to make special separate workshops for girls and boys. Workshop programs should be designed on an individual school by school basis.

The team will consist of women dancers and hopefully a number of children who will present their culture through the traditional dance. Performances are normally up to one hour and designed to suit different age groups and situations.

Sandridge Band

Formed in 1995 playing at the first Lidjakarda Festival at Wandangnula Outstation near Borroloola. More recently have undertaken study of several units of the Charles Darwin Contemporary Music Course and in 2004 and 2005 performed at Tenant Creek Battle of the Bands Youth Week, 2004 Katherine at Music Without Humbug supporting Neil Murray, 2004 Borroloola Rodeo Battle of the Bands, 2005 Katherin Flying Fox Festival supporting Naberlak Band, Youth Week in Borroloola, supported Nomadics Band at gig at Youth Centre, Borroloola Rodeo Battle of the Bands and numerous gigs at Borroloola Hotel and Sandridge Oustation.

Songs are a mixture of reggae, rock and metal sounds. Songs are about land, culture, people and contemporary life in communities

Sandridge Band Members

Gadrian Hoosan (lead vocal), Ricky Kidd (lead guitar), Leon Timothy (key board), Conrad Rory (bass), Warrick John (rhythm and back up vocal), Bruce King (drummer). Band members are from the Garrawa, Yanula and Gadangi language groups from around the Borroloola township.