Regional communities dance to the same beat
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people from across regional Queensland will converge on Brisbane in May to perform on the main stage at the 10th annual Stylin’ UP Festival.
Though separated by more than 1500km’s, aspiring MC’s and Dancers from Hope Vale, Cherbourg and Woorabinda have collaborated to create a ‘United’ song and dance performance. The tightly choreographed 30-minute performance will represent distinct elements from each community as well as common themes of pride in self and pride in culture.
The piece has been created as part of the Stylin’ UP Regioal program, a vibrant community and cultural development program that engages and is driven by Indigenous young people, Elders and community members. Guided by the message “Pride in Self, Pride in Community, Pride in Culture” the Stylin’ UP Regional provides a forum for young people to express themselves through music and dance, celebrate Indigenous identity and play a role in building strong communities.
In late May, the young people will travel to Brisbane as part of the Big Trip, an annual event involving young people, Elders and carers. After making the trip to Brisbane, participants stay together for four days of activities, workshops and rehearsals before performing their work onstage at the Stylin’ UP Festival in Inala.
The Big Trip is a highly anticipated part of the Stylin’ UP Regional program and gives participants the opportunity to rub shoulders with some of their idols, get to know young people from other communities and perform in front of more than 5000 people.
