The group meets once a week and first performed at the opening of the Woodberry Family Centre.

The Red Belly Blacks trained intensively before their debut at which they performed traditional pieces, including the creation dance and the honey gathering and the berry picking dances.

Instructors Jason Brown, John Robinson and didgeridoo player Allan Hines form the nucleus of the group and instruct the boys in dance.

Suzanne Hines is leader of the female dancers.

“Everyone enjoys it. We are proud to be dancing. It is important to us, it’s important to stick up for our culture and celebrate it,” Suzanne said.

“It was really good to dance at the opening and to see the group performing together.”

Other female Red Belly Blacks are Lynn Hines, Jameelah Lawrence, Kimberly and Jennifer Dixon.

Sam, Jay and Tom Brown and Coen Lawrence are the males.

Mr (Jason) Brown said the group formed to allow the younger dancers to express themselves and explore their roots.

“The children get a sense of belonging to their community out of dancing. They love it, they turn up early to practice and we can’t get rid of them,” he said.

Fellow instructor John Robinson said the group was an opportunity to share his knowledge.

“It is good for us. We have been doing this since we were young, and now these ones and grow up and teach the dances to their own little ones.”

“This is how dance has been passed on for thousands of years and it is good to be a part of that.”

Mr Hines has played the didgeridoo for 13 years.

“The kids get to learn a bit of knowledge about their culture, as well as some experience in dancing.”

For information on the Red Belly Blacks, contact Dawn Field on 4966 1961 or 4966 0390.