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I haven't seen something as funny as this for a long time. The guys are from Galiwin'ku and Milingimbi and are called the Djukidjuki team, 'Djukidjuki' as in the Aboriginalised word for 'chicken'. This performance was at the basketball courts at Ramingining, during Ramingining's annual festival of music and culture a couple of months ago.

Lead dancer here is Dumki Garawirrtja in the middle in blue 'naga' and white pipeclay body paint. Dumki is the son of Frank Djirrimbilpilwuy who shot the footage and who has been a major force behind TEABBA.

Guan

That was pretty funny. Thanks for sharing that, Guan. I think I picked out some Michael Jackson "Thriller" dance influences at the end.

Great fun- it's always good to be lighthearted about things

Everyone who was at the festival and watched the Djukidjuki dancers split their sides from laughing so much!!

The humour is revealing actually, as, yes, there are moves from famous pop singers (Michael Jackson is one) but also from 'funny' traditional steps like in Mandiyala where there are parts intended to create light-hearted relief for watchers and dancers alike.

But there's also a serious side to this performance, a touching human story, as one of Djirrimbilpilwuy's daughters, Pricilla, requires constant care and is looked after by a Greek woman in Darwin.

The Australian: Aboriginal Zorba an internet hit

ABC News: Elcho Island dancers take 'Yolngu Zorba' to the world

Guan

Thanks Guan,
we really cracked up looking at this )
The sense of humour is fantastic.
The tall chap in the front of the middle row must be quite a character!
Martin

That's Frank's son, Dumki, leader of the group.

Guan

Dumki's got some great sense of comedic timing, and it shows! I'm seeing elements of 'Thriller' and 'Saturday Night Fever'!

Hi there



G

Very very funny !!!

Søren Dahl

GREAT!!!! Flexible minds = flexible bodies and a fantastic sense of humour. Maybe it's not with intention, but it seems almost like a parody on tourists imitating aboriginal dances ("man, do I HAVE to do this... okay, for the folks back home ").

So funny...

The techno version of Zorba was already pretty ridiculous.

Going to show this to a greek friend... just to see how she will react to a non traditionnal dance of the song . That will be cool

Just got off the phone talking to Frank Djirrimbilpilwuy and he says the Chooky Dancers will be here Wednesday morning! They've got a huge schedule of tours and performances which is keeping everyone busy, good on 'em.

Guan

I saw a brief mention on the tele - they're on their way OS as well - a big hit in Greece apparently !!

Pics of the lads, tired from lots of travelling but still in high spirits!

Stay tuned for interviews tomorrow with Lionel's father Frank Djirrimbilpilwuy, an amazing man with lots of stories to tell.

Guan

I'll let the pictures tell most of the story, but by way of background, the Chooky Dancers from Elcho Island performed today in front of the camera for Australia's Got Talent, a reality-tv talent quest in the likeness of Australian Idol and So you think you can dance etc.

To cut a long story short, the Chooky Dancers are through to the next round! Red Symonds and Danii Minogue - two of the 3 judges - gave their seal of approval, the 3rd judge did not have to give a verdict. The first thing Red said, supposedly with a twinkle in his eye, was "Sorry" and his second comment was something like "I didn't know you guys were Greek!".

So look out for the Chooky Dancers on television soon, they'll be back in 1 month for another round of Australia's Got Talent. Wishing them luck from all of us.

Guan