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Torres Strait Islands Dances from Djarragun College

Djarragun College is a school with mainly indigenous students (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander), about 27 km south of Cairns, the main town of Far North Queensland. It has, since its beginning in 2001, acquired a great reputation. Its students, ranging from Preschool age until post Year 12 are very keen learning and performing their traditional cultural dances; the first dance groups were formed by students from Murray Island (or Mer) in the eastern Torres Strait Islands, guided by their elders. Senior students' dance groups were soon followed by the younger kids that were, if possible, even more enthusiastic performers. This was followed by dance groups from the other islands, especially the Top Western Islands of Boigu and Saibai.

There are contemporary social dances, in which the costume for the men nowadays includes a white singlet and "lap-lap", wraparound cloth, accompanied by drums and harmonious singing. There is traditional chanting as well, accompanying some of the dances or just drumming as in the fast "Silent Dance". They performed here during festivities in the school, like the Awards ceremonies at the Student's Graduations or at the official opening of new additions to the school campus. They were also often asked to perform at venues around Cairns.

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Mer Island Boys	Murray Island Dancers	Boigu Island Dancers	Djarragun Dancers (1)	Djarragun Dancers (2)
Djarragun Dancers (3)	Djarragun Junior Girls	Djarragun Junior Boys	Djarragun Junior Dancers	Djarragun Senior Dancers
Djarragun Junior Boys	Djarragun Junior Girls	Djarragun Senior Boys	Djarragun Senior Girls	"The Five Stars"

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