At Girls Grammar we are fortunate to have girls from Papua New Guinea (PNG) in our boarding community. Last weekend these girls were invited to dance at the Taste of the World Festival. The PNG girls, and girls from the Torres Strait with ties to PNG, performed a dance that they learned which originated from our Head Girl, Hadasshah’s, province of East New Britain.
The contemporary dance incorporated hand movements from traditional Tolai dance from East New Britian province. It also showcased the other different cultures that we originate from; the Southern Highlands, Central, and Oro, and Gulf provinces.
The song in itself talks about a Tolai individual who is finding his way back home after leaving his homeland - East New Britain. He worries that he won't return again, but to the sound of drums beating, ukuleles strumming, the smell of Mt. Tavurvur's (volcano) smoke, and the DukDuk calling, he knows his way home. Hadasshah (Year 12)
Each girl painted her face traditionally representing her province. The other boarders went down to support the girls and to enjoy some food from around the world as an activity on Saturday. We believe it is important that we celebrate our girls in our community and their cultures. Our PNG boarders were happy to be part of the extended Rockhampton PNG community. The girls met some wantoks (people who speak the same language) which they enjoyed. The PNG boarders had the opportunity to enjoy food that they eat in their local communities at home. There were other dances from other countries that the girls watched as well. A coconut husking competition was held and the PNG competitors won.
The Papua New Guinea boarders would like to thank Theresa who invited them to participate.
Stacey McCarthy
Head of Boarding