Six Layers of Country: Djirri Djirri Wurundjeri Women’s Dance Group

DANCE
Written by Gracia Haby
 

Six Layers of Country

Six Layers of Country introduction from Mikayla George 2017 Vic NAIDOC Sportsperson of the Year

 
 

MONDAY 7 DECEMBER
DJIRRI DJIRRI WURUNDJERI WOMEN’S DANCE GROUP

 
 
“We are the only Wurundjeri female dance group, and also Traditional Custodians of Narrm (Melbourne). Djirri Djirri means Willy Wagtail in Woiwurrung, the language of Wurundjeri people, the Traditional Custodians of Narrm (Melbourne) and surrounds. The Willy Wagtail the Spirit Bird, gave us dance! Many of our group have danced since they were young children, while others have learnt as adults. Our dances are created to honour our Liwik (Ancestors), Kerr-up-non (Family), Biik (Country) and animals. We are all related by blood through one woman, Annie Borate, William Barak’s sister. We teach our dancers to also sing in Woiwurrung language, our Mother Tongue.”
— Djirri Djirri Wurundjeri Women’s Dance Group
 
Gracia Haby

I have been collaborating with Louise Jennison since 1999, making artists’ books, collages, large-scale installations, prints, drawings, zines, and various tales. Besotted still, it appears, with paper for its adaptable, concealable, revealing nature, we use an armoury of play, the poetic and familiar too, with the intention of luring you into our A(rtists’ books) to Z(ines).

As artists and wildlife carers, our practice frequently concerns the natural world, addressing themes of conservation and biodiversity. Our home-based studio is also home to our wildlife shelter, Tiny but Wild.

I collage with words about dance for Fjord Review.

http://gracialouise.com
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