We caught up with TAYLOR HAMPTON and JACINTA DANIHER about their book Our Dance, a joyful celebration of First Nations culture and Australia’s unique animals through dance and music, with rhyming actions to get young readers moving.

What sparked the idea for your book?

In 2019 we started a business called Birrang Cultural Connections offering educational workshops to early childhood services. One of the workshops involved learning how to move like different Australian animals and then coming together at the end to participate in a dance. It was great to see how engaged and excited the children were during this workshop, so it became the inspiration for ‘Our Dance’. Everyone can read the book, learn the moves and come together at the end to dance to the amazing song we created with Sue Ray.  

What role does dance play in First Nations culture?

Dance is a powerful part of First Nations culture, it is used to tell stories, pass down knowledge, and connect with the land. Through movement, people show the way animals move, share Dreaming stories, and honour our ancestors. Dance is often part of ceremonies and brings communities together, helping keep culture strong and alive across generations.

What can you tell us about a corroboree and its importance?

A corroboree is a special gathering where Aboriginal people come together to sing, dance, and tell stories. It’s a way to share culture, celebrate important events, and pass on knowledge. Each corroboree is different, depending on the mob and Country, and it helps connect people to their ancestors, each other, and the land. It’s a powerful way to keep culture strong and alive.

What kind of stories do you tell through dance?

Through dance, Aboriginal people share stories about how the land, animals, and people were created. They tell stories from the Dreaming, show how animals move, and teach important lessons about looking after Country. Every dance has a meaning and helps keep culture and stories alive.

What was your favourite part of writing this book?

Getting our children involved, especially in creating different dance moves together to go with the song. 

Describe this book in three words. 

Fun, positive, diverse

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Taylor Hampton is a proud Ngiyampaa/Wiradjuri man and Jacinta Daniher is an early childhood educator. Taylor and Jacinta have a passion for educating young people about Aboriginal culture. In 2019, they established Birrang Cultural Connections to offer cultural workshops in education settings, with the vision of creating content that is educational, interactive and exciting. They have two children, Ella and Arlo, who have inspired them to create picture books that reflect their culture and experiences as young Aboriginal children growing up in Australia today.

Visit Taylor Hampton’s Instagram