Kooriography: Revolutionary Acts of Dance

Abstract

Story and movement are entwined in what Mariaa Randall refers to as Kooriography a cultural knowledge framework. Naming the cultural framework as Kooriography, Mariaa foregrounds Aboriginal knowledge as the foundation for movement, language, and humour, to tell stories through artwork, songs, and rhythms when creating dance within a contemporary context. Mariaa draws on the commonly accepted term of Koori—meaning Aboriginal people of the south-eastern parts of Australia, blending with choreography to form the name of her movement. In an environment where ‘Aboriginal dance’ stands as a trope for only authentically traditional forms of dance performed by authentically traditional Aboriginal dancers, Kooriography disrupts these tropes to question authorities to determine what is Aboriginal dance. Additionally, Kooriography acknowledges that there is a sense of urgency to gather the knowledge so that it may survive for the next generation. Mariaa also focuses on Aboriginal women’s choreographic responsibilities to maintain the knowledge. In this way, Aboriginal women dancers and choreographer’s agency is a revolutionary act, one which is opposing assimilation in the art of dance. This chapter writes into being a double movement, the art of dance and the art of framing culture to dance.

Tracey Responds

Mariaa stories that her Aboriginality resides in lived experiences, within her country and with her Ancestors- the original peoples. In writing of her experiences, she is enacting collective ownership and authorship for her Bundjalung Ancestors. She creates, she dances. Kooriography. There is a delicate telling of the dance, it’s construct through movement, finger touches a feather string, feet touch a powdered line, charcoal on skin. Her dance storying is embodied relational meaning-making. Kooriography troubles the pervasive effects of colony Australia. Her story de-colonises, claiming a voice/dancing storytelling body in the silenced margins to create, curate new meanings.

I hold much gratitude for Mariaa’s creative care. It is that same care which she has willingly shared with my daughter,Verse

Verse mentoring her,    giving guidance as the professional,       the creator,          big Tidda,             sharing knowledge with the next generation.

To witness the dance is to know joy. A sweet invitation to share the story, to travel with the dancer’s movements, evoking thoughtfulness, being touched by the music, soundscapes adding depth. There is much nourishment for thought, body, and soul. Dance is movement storied, Kooriography stories an Aboriginal social movement in dance.