Quinkan dancers at the launch of the 2023 Laura Dance Festival

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Next year’s Laura Quinkan Indigenous Dance Festival has been officially launched, with the event to be held from July 7 to 9.

The enduringly popular event is held every two years, bringing together Indigenous dance groups from all over Far North Queensland.

Communities with connections to Cape York and Torres Strait will gather to share stories and culture through music, song, and dance.

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Festival director, Fiona John, said it’s an unforgettable experience.

“It’s one of Australia’s longest running and premier Indigenous events.

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“Over the three days, guests will be immersed in rich cultural heritage, experiencing traditional art, ancient storytelling, song, and dance.

“It’s a window into a slice of Australian life not often seen outside of remote communities, and guests often describe it as a life-altering experience.”

Violet Snider with her grandfather Walter

The Laura Dance Festival began in the 1980s, but its roots go back to a regional festival in Lockhart River in 1972.

The success of that event inspired the idea of an annual festival to be held in a different community each year.

Mossman, Hopevale, Wujal-Wujal, and Cooktown took turns, before it was decided to make the traditional Bora ground just south of Laura its permanent home.

The festival attracts an increasing number of visitors from outside the region and from overseas.

Ang-Gnarra Aboriginal Corporation CEO, August Stevens, said he’s looking forward to the event.

"We hope to increase our numbers this year, that would be great.

"We are continuing the old ways of having just traditional dancing happening.

“Our Quinkan dancers will be on display, I'm happy to say they will open and close the ceremony.”

For the first time, the Quinkan dancers will have an all-female group. Dancer, Violet Snider, said it will be a proud moment.

"I like to keep my family strong and inspire the next generation through dance."

COMMUNITY
INDIGENOUS CULTURE

Main points

  • 2023 Laura Dance Festival from 7-9 July
  • It's one of Australia’s longest running Indigenous events
  • A celebration of culture from across Cape York and Torres Strait
It’s a celebration of the cultural, artistic, and ceremonial traditions of communities connected to Cape York and the Torres Strait.
Fiona John
Laura Festival director