ABC Darwin

Inviting a white 'tribesman' from the other side of the world to help tell a start about traditional hunting, may seem like a very contemporary form of Indigenous dance.

But for the Kenbi dancers, who are based at the Belyuen community at Mandorah near Darwin, sharing their story with outsiders is something that goes back thousands of years.

"Our people invited other tribes to celebratory corroborees, this is just an extension of it", says Kenbi dancer Ross Yarrowin.

The group has been together for over 12 years, but has only performed professionally for the last three years. They dance several nights a week at the local pub for tourists, and have been taking the show on the road with the profits they've made.

"Visiting Melbourne, Brisbane and the Gold Coast (on separate tours) was a real eye opening experience for the dancers". "Most of them are community people, who don't really have an understanding of what life is like in other places. Being a part of this group has not only given them work - it's given them the chance to learn more about other places, other cultures ... and they're bringing that back to their community".

"Everyone is thrilled to be a part of the Darwin Festival. We're performing 5 nights in total - and there are so many different people here we're getting a much bigger, diverse exposure than we've ever had - so there's going to be many more doors opening in the future".

The Kenbi Dancers include men, women, and children of the community - and all of them are travelling to Darwin and beyond to show off their culture.

"Dance has given people the opportunity to realise a dream - and I really hope it continues".

By Kate Humphris