Winyiwinypa (The Spotted Harrier) - 2021
2021 Milpirri - Yinapaka
Winyiwinypa (The Spotted Harrier)
Description of Dance
This dance tells the story of a lazy hunter who pretends he is hunting but hurts himself and returns to camp to be nurtured by all the other birds. When going hunting Winyiwinypa can bounce others out of Country but continues to get hurt and keeps returning to camp. A large circle is formed to represent everyone in camp. Long, slow arm movements symbolise wings that are healing. With upbeat music, more dynamic wing movements are introduced and Winyiwinya is trying to prove to the little birds that he is strong, a warrior, a fighter and a hunter. There are gestural movements to match these words in the soundtrack. The dancers walk to all four directions representing Winyawinpa exploring all hunting grounds. The dance culminates with everyone sitting in a circle, returning to camp to heal and returning to the original long, languid arm (wing) movements.
*Milpirri 2021 was reimagined to suit the current COVID circumstances. The dance in this video is from a showing at Lajamanu school. They are not complete dances.
Choreography
Original Choreography: Madeleine Brown
Additional phrases: Stephanie Spillett, Bec Reid and David McMicken