Dancestry at Sydney Opera House

One of the highlights of the Message Sticks Festival is the daily Dancestry grounds, where traditional ceremony is performed each day. This year’s gathering in our Dance Grounds features many clans from across Australia, including the Lirrwi Dance Group from Arnhem Land where the world’s oldest instrument the Yidaki originates from.

Come and join us to see traditional dance (Bunggul), accompanied by song (Manikay) Imagine the corroborees of old as we showcase diverse dance practice, the ancient chants and ritual stomps that will delight all ages from across Australia. Families will have an opportunity to watch, learn and participate in Dancestry, so bring along your eyes, your ears, and let’s see if you can learn to Bunggul!