The 16 students from years eight to 10 have been practising the dances since October and will be taking the stage with the Wiradjuri Echoes for three performances throughout the festival.

The school’s Aboriginal worker, Rebecca Lea, said they had been lucky to have help funding the trip from a member of the Wiradjuri Echoes.

“Funding came from Uncle Duncan, he found funding for us to be able to attend the multicultural festival so it was great,” she said. “We were able to get local people to come through, we’re on Wiradjuri country so we wanted Wiradjuri dances and the rest is history, now we’ve made a dance group.

“The kids volunteered, when Uncle Duncan came down we got the Aboriginal kids to participate and non-Aboriginal kids participated and then whoever wanted to keep doing it.

“Now we’ve got a waiting list because everyone wants to jump on board.”

Dance rehearsals have been held during school hours, with the students working hard to perfect their performance. 

“Very hard, but the kids have been great and it’s something they love doing and we’re learning about their culture while we’re doing it. We do a lot of cultural programs at James Fallon which is great, the kids absolutely love it and that way we keep them engaged as well.”

Year 10 student Deanne Stewart said she was nervous for the performance but knows they have put a lot of work into learning their dances.

“It’s hard but it’s nice to know our dances, it’s hard work but it’s good to know you can dance to this and show other people,” she said. “I reckon I’ll get used to it, it’ll grow on me.

“I’m hoping it will grow more and get more students into it.”

Ms Lea said the school hoped the program would continue with its success.

“We’ll be doing functions as well, so if anybody wants us give us a call, the young girls and boys can do some dancing for you,” she said.