ABORIGINAL Dudley Park Primary School students are learning the importance of attending school regularly and learning about their culture through dance.
The Wardong Koorlinga Dance group was set up by Dudley Park Primary School teachers Paul Morrison and Vince Marino three years ago.
With more than 500 students enrolled and 20 per cent being Aboriginal Mr Morrison and Mr Marino mentor and teach the students about respectful behaviour and the importance of school.
“The children love the dance group and we use it as a reward for good behaviour,” Mr Morrison said.
“It has been working as most of the students come to school and are really well behaved.”
With dances including the Emu, Kangaroo, Willy Wag Tail and Snake, the students are in high demand.
Mr Marino said they had performed at several City of Mandurah events and various schools during NAIDOC Week.
“We are careful the students don’t miss too much school time so we pick carefully the events we dance at,” he said.
“We’ve even had requests to dance in Perth.”
Mr Morrison said the group started with boys but when the girls started showing an interest they organised a second class.
Dudley Park Primary School student Lataya Delgety said she had been dancing since the beginning of this year and really enjoyed learning about her culture.
“I didn’t know any Aboriginal dances before this group so I really enjoyed learning them,” she said.
“We also like cooperating with each other in the dances."
"My favourite dance is the Snake."
