An aboriginal legend tells of a beautiful tall slender young woman Buralga who loved to dance. She spurned the attentions of an evil magician and with a whirlwind of dust she was changed into a graceful crane. The brolgas dance is famous for its elegant bowing and bobbing interspersed with periods when they stop to throw back their heads and trumpet loudly. Sometime they leap into the air, a metre or so high and parachute back to ground on their broad black and grey wings. These dances are thought to represent a courtship and helps to strengthen the bond between Brolgas who mate for life.
The complicated dance of the brolga is imitated by the Aborigines in some of their dances.
I saw my first 'free' brolga during a recent adventure to Carnarvon Gorge. I could barely believe my eyes and without doubt this was the highlight.
For those of you who didn't know, the brolga is our only true crane in Australia and although I didn't actually see them dance, it's not that hard to imagine. They actually look like a feathered ballerina with a splash of red at their tip. As I watched the three, I imagined the harmony and rhythm of their dance with their slender limbs and elegant necks moving every so gracefully through the mushy undergrowth. I pleaded for the bobbing, advancing, retiring and trumpeting revealing Buralga but alas it was not to be on this occasion.
As close to I am ever likely to get having Brolgas in my own back yard....
I feel privileged for the opportunity to see these beautiful creatures while you took me on this trip. Thanks mate!
ReplyDeleteAs you know I'm not much of a dancer but I look forward to watch pixie dance. (see this blog grow and read your wonderful written blogs)
xxx Mel