Djuki Mala to dance for free

After passionate lobbying from the local community on social media, the internationally renowned Aboriginal performance ensemble Djuki Mala will make its way to Hedland as part of a WA regional tour.

The State tour was limited to the Pilbara towns of Newman, Meekathara, Karratha and Roebourne when it was announced early last month.

But after appealing to the show’s director, local Hedland tourism business Sister Trips successfully secured a show in South Hedland.

Through Facebook the group encouraged enough people online to donate a gold coin to make the event free for the whole community to enjoy.

It is the first time the dance ensemble, which hails from north-east Arnhem land, will travel across WA despite its adventures in Italy, Singapore and Melbourne.

Djuki Mala (Djuki meaning “bird” with a Yolngu accent and Mala meaning “mob”) became an overnight success when the group posted a video dancing to Zorba the Greek on Youtube in October 2007.

Sister Trips director Lee-Anne Smith said it was important everyone had access to quality performances.

The free event will be held at the Town Square opposite the South Hedland Shopping Centre.