DJAADJAWAN DANCERS

Djaadjawan Dancers, Giiyong Festival 2018 by Megan Luhrs.

The Djaadjawan Dancers are a traditional female Aboriginal dance group from the Yuin Nation of NSW, Australia. The group includes girls, women and Elders from multiple generations from Wallaga Lake, Narooma and La Perouse in NSW.

 Since their formation in 2015 by Walbunja woman Sharon Mason, the Djaadjawan Dancers have earned their place as one of the most sought after Aboriginal cultural performance groups in the State. They perform regularly at respected festivals and events around Australia, and have danced at the Opera House, the 200-year Celebration of Westpac Corp, the opening of Barangaroo precinct in Sydney and the National Folk Festival in Canberra. Most recently they have produced their own hybrid theatre production BARANGUBA.

 Djaadjawan means ‘sand’ in Dhurga language, and the group express traditional culture, beliefs and practice through dance and song. The women make their own costumes and accessories using traditional materials and techniques.

When the Djaadjawan Dancers perform, they are dancing, singing, sharing, wearing and expressing their culture. Each dance tells a story, or serves a specific purpose, such as their Welcome Dance, Healing Dance or Fishing Dance.

Djaadjawan Dancers, Giiyong Festival 2018 by David Rogers