The dances we perform tell stories of our conectedness to the land, the intricate genius systems and knowledge that goes with that and our way of life now and before invasion.
We use the paint up’s of this area and for paint we still prepare our traditional ochre when available.
The group is made up of men, women and children and can facilitate on going school workshops to develop dances to perform at a school event. All the dancer’s either lived, are from or have a close connection to the Island and the group are mostly relatives. Ranging in ages from 1 to 50, from different experience levels and styles. Some have been dancing for a little and some have danced since they were big enough too. Take a look at the profiles of our deadly dancers to find out more about us.
Patrick Coolwell- dancer and songman. A younger member of the Nunukul tribe of North Stradbroke Island and Munanjali tribe, from the Beaudesert region, was raised in his home country and grew up dancing with groups made up mainly of family from the Island. Whilst dancing, he travelled internationally to Greece, Taiwan and Korea. Patrick has permission to sing and pass on the Nunukul songs and dances. Recently returning from living and experiencing life on the Tweed, he is happy to back on country and is ready to get his hands dirty. Being from a large family, Patrick enjoys working with children, sharing culture is something that comes naturally and he loves it. With his fair share of adversity throughout his young life, Patrick is determined to work towards better times, especially for our younger people. In the future Patrick would like to see more kids happy, spending time on country, learning, dancing, looking after each other and their land. After completing a certificate II in Conservation and Land Care, Patrick hopes to further these studies and provide more realistic viable career choices for our young ones wanting to stay in their communities or pursue cultural interests as opposed to mainstream career choices. Patrick is the 5th child of 11 and is also a Jared‘s. He is the grandson of Florrie and Ted Ruska, son of Paul Coolwell and Kerryn Smith.
We ask for your patience while the dancers complete the profile information.
Jared Coolwell - To be filled asap
Maretta Coolwell - To be filled asap
Jedda Coolwell -To be filled asap
Morgan Green - To be filled asap
Tiga Bayles Jnr - First danced at the age of 3 and has never looked back. Tiga enjoys dancing more than anything else because it makes him happy. When he takes his place in the community he wants to be involved in culture. Tiga is a descendant of the Birri Gubba, Wakka Wakka, Wonarua and Bundjalung clan. His Great great grandmother’s are Linda Livingstone, Edna Bayles, Cecilia Smith, Great Grandfather - Sam Watson, Great grannies - Maureen Watson, Gloria Bell and Patricia Miller. Great Grand father - Stan Smith Grandmother’s - Katherine Reilly and Deborah Smith, Grandfather - Tiga Bayles Senior. Tiga has spent a few years in Brisbane, Tweed Heads and now Stradbroke Island. He loves to swim at the beach, ride his motorbike, go hunting, fishing on the boat and play sports.
Reilly Bayles - A lively dancer who first came on stage when he was in nappies. If there’s a chance to shake them legs - Reilly’s there in a hurry. When he’s not dancing Reilly loves to play footy, sand boarding or swimming is a descendant of the Birri Gubba, Wakka Wakka, Wonarua and Bundjalung clans. His Great great grandmother’s are Linda Livingstone, Edna Bayles, Cecilia Smith, Great Grandfather - Sam Watson, Great grannies - Maureen Watson, Gloria Bell and Patricia Miller. Great Grand father - Stan Smith Grandmother’s - Katherine Reilly and Deborah Smith, Grandfather - Tiga Bayles Senior. Reilly has spent a few years in Brisbane, Tweed Heads and now lives on Stradbroke Island.
Jandarcan Gringai - The youngest member of the group at only 8 months old. LOOKOUT WHEN HE STARTS WALKING….
We have just began by clearing the site of our old bora ground and are preparing to come together more often for fun, learning, sharing and to perform.
Aims -
By performing dances from Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island Qld Australia), facilitating workshops and by being involved in environmental/conservation efforts, we educate whilst having fun and engaging with the audience. Appearing at schools, community events, special occasions, opening ceremonies, private functions and festivals. Soon we hope to provide full time positions for dancers/ land care and conservationist roles in our community as well as organising language revitilisation, story telling, gathering and hunting, artistic expression, enterprise for self sufficiency and touring.
