On 5 May, 10 students from Years 7, 8, 9 and 11 took part in the Burra Bamal Dance incursion held at St Patrick's College. Aroha from NAISDA Dance College led the workshop taking students through a range of movement activities in contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dance. 

Burra Bamal is an annual program presented in partnership with Campbelltown Arts Centre and NAISDA Dance College. The multi-stage program nurtures professional dance pathways and cultural knowledge for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

Students who participate in the school workshop are invited to apply for the 2022 mentorship, an intensive dance project for up to 12 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Years 9 – 11 with an interest in dance. The mentorship includes workshops, performances on country visits and a three-day residency at NAISDA Dance College in Gosford. 

It was a wonderful experience, with many of the girls stating “I wish I could do this workshop all day!”. Students will use the material taught from Aroha as they work together and plan for their NAIDOC assembly later in Term 2.

Emma Randell - CAPA Teacher/Year 7 Coordinator