There are only two people called Taris in the remote central Arnhem Land community of Ramingining — and they are best friends.
Taris Biltji Ashley Wagilag, who goes by Taris Ashley, and Taris Bungurray Gadawarr, who goes by Taris Darby, recently rose to prominence after a video exhibiting their friendship — and their love for dancing — was posted online.
The video of the pair dancing while working together at their community's art centre garnered nearly 3 million views on Facebook and Instagram and received hundreds of comments from people saying it made their day.
They say they have been dancing their whole lives and competed in local dance competitions but never expected their moves to reach such a large stage.
Ashley said he did not even know the video had gone viral until he saw hundreds of new people had begun following him online.
"[Darby] told me that people were … mentioning us on Facebook and told me the video was all over the NT news," he said.
"I was like, 'Wow, this is the moment we've been waiting for' because we've been dancing for a long time."
Darby said he was "proud and shocked" when he saw the kind comments people were leaving.
Following in their families' footsteps
Ashley and Darby work at Bula'bula Arts, where their grandfathers are considered the "founding fathers".
The art centre has hosted several generations of artists and wants to continue to pass knowledge down along family bloodlines.
That was how Ashley became involved with the gallery.
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"My grandfather [was] a painter," he said.
"That's why I started [doing art]; I wanted to be like him."
Bula'bula Art executive director Mel George said she had gotten to know Ashley through his family and offered him a job.
"Taris used to come in and have a cup of tea with his grandma and aunties and family members, and he always had this great smile on his face," George said.
"And I just felt like he would be an excellent candidate to have a role here at Bula'Bula Arts."
But George realised he needed a "partner in crime", and Ashley suggested Darby for the role.
"There's only two Tarises in Ramingining, and I've got them both," she said.
Darby said the job had helped him find something to do with his day.
"I was sitting around, doing nothing, and [Ashley] told me to work here … so I'm here, and I'm proud of myself," he said.
George said the boys brought energy, exuberance and fun into the arts centre while also being a part of the transfer of knowledge between generations.
"Part of their role is to understand the stories that are being painted, and then they have to come and type them up on the computer. It's just a way of passing on knowledge in an environment where you're valuing what Indigenous people do", she said.
"It's just terrific to be in a work environment where people are really enjoying what they're doing."
The pair said they had learned traditions and cultures from their grandparents and wanted to pass those lessons to the next generation.
"We are helping our elders, and [we want] to be good role models for kids," Ashley said.
"We're showing them how to look after themselves, and be safe, and respect people. That's what we're doing for the next generation," Darby added.
To their grandmother Joy Burruna, the ability to pass on knowledge and keep traditional practices alive means the world.
"When I die … they can teach the kids," she said.
"They make us proud, those two guys. What they're doing is for the knowledge (sic); and for our future."
'I want to make other people happy'
Ashley said he had been "beaming" ever since the video of him and his friend had gone viral.
He said they enjoyed combining Yolngu and non-Indigenous dance to make their own unique style.
They want to continue to make people smile, and believe in not taking life too seriously and bringing joy to every day.
"[I want] to make other people happy, instead of walking around with serious faces", Ashley said.
"We just want to say: We love our fans."
https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiY2h0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmFiYy5uZXQuYXUvbmV3cy8yMDIzLTA0LTEwL3JhbWluZ2luaW5nLWFydGlzdHMtbnQtdmlyYWwtdmlkZW8tZGFuY2luZy1hdC13b3JrLzEwMjE5ODYyNNIBKGh0dHBzOi8vYW1wLmFiYy5uZXQuYXUvYXJ0aWNsZS8xMDIxOTg2MjQ?oc=5
2023-04-09 20:30:43Z
CBMiY2h0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmFiYy5uZXQuYXUvbmV3cy8yMDIzLTA0LTEwL3JhbWluZ2luaW5nLWFydGlzdHMtbnQtdmlyYWwtdmlkZW8tZGFuY2luZy1hdC13b3JrLzEwMjE5ODYyNNIBKGh0dHBzOi8vYW1wLmFiYy5uZXQuYXUvYXJ0aWNsZS8xMDIxOTg2MjQ
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