Hips were moving and toes were tapping as the community came together for an afternoon of Cultural Connections, to celebrate National Families Week 2021.
Hosted by Bundaberg Regional Council in the rotunda at Alexandra Park, residents came together to enjoy a beautiful afternoon in the autumn sunshine.
The inclusive atmosphere had people from all walks of life smiling from ear to ear as they experienced a music extravaganza and tastes of foods from around the globe.
Members of the Wide Bay Kirbati community prepared to take to the stage, with young dancers excited to participate in a traditional dance, Tarawa Atoll.
Katuma Naibunaki said they were a little nervous to start but they were all very proud to be included to perform alongside many other nations.
Cecilia Wilcox, Pilar Ellis and Evee Freney are part of the Isis Multicultural Group, and also three of the five Filipino dancers to take to the stage to show off their traditional folk dances of salakot and tiklos.
Cecilia said they were excited to return to dancing in front of the community after COVID-19 restrictions had put a hold on it last year.
“It’s been nearly two years since we have danced, and how can you not dance!” she exclaimed.
“We are so excited to be here, enjoying the time together.”
Bundaberg’s Bernie Beddie said Cultural Connections was a brilliant way to spend the afternoon, and her daughter Amelia, 7, couldn’t agree more as she danced around, in the shade of the trees, to the music.
“I heard about this through word of mouth actually, it’s a great way to spend the day with family and friends,” Bernie said.
“We are having a lot of fun.”
With a dozen or more cultures from around the world gathering for Cultural Connections, Deputy Mayor Bill Trevor said it was terrific to take in the range of music and dances.
“It’s fantastic – a great afternoon of music and what else can I say, it’s just a really happy day,” he said.
“We have this great park here, and the community has turned out to celebrate with great music at this cultural event.”
Cultural Connections included Chinese dragon dancing, Latin fusion dancing, Tongan and Fijian dancing, along with a variety of other local groups who came together to celebrate.
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