Madhu Yinaa, a group of Wiradjuri, Darug, Gamilaroi, Ngunnawal and Dharawal women and girls from the Blue Mountains, Cowra, Lithgow, Orange and Western Sydney were top 5 finalists in the recent Dance Rites national Indigenous dance competition at the Sydney Opera House.
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Eighteen dance groups from across the country traveled to Sydney to take part in the annual competition and Madhu Yinaa were the only NSW and only all female group to make it through to the finals.
The Kulgoodah Dancers from Woorabinda in Central QLD took out first place and picked up $20,000 in prize money and Runners up, Q Town Mura Kebile Dancers from the Torres Strait were awarded $5,000.
Madhu Yinaa Director Jo Clancy said the women and girls were thrilled to make the finals and they are already planning their dances for 2018.
“Dance Rites may be a competition but it doesn’t feel competitive,” she said.
“It feels celebratory.”