Translated traditions: A comparative ethnography of traditional dance in the Irish and Croatian communities in Sydney, Australia

Abstract

This comparative ethnography investigates the traditional dance practices of the Irish and Croatian communities in Sydney, Australia. Transnationalism theory affords the means through which to examine the multiple ways in which individuals and groups have forged, and continue to participate in, fields of engagement across national borders. The study situates the immigrant groups within the context of multicultural Australia, and additionally references the theoretical paradigms of cultural identity, diaspora studies, nostalgia theory and ethnochoreology. The research entailed detailed case studies of three dance groups from each of the immigrant communities under investigation. Data were gathered through ethnographic fieldwork conducted in dance classes and special events over two years and interviews with 100 participants. Emergent themes revealed participants’ agency in multiple transnational spaces including, at a personal level, cultural identity, emotional attachment and embodied signification. Themes relating to structural and functional fields were the global organisational frameworks, patterns of pedagogical practice and flows of material goods. The final theme was transnational representation through public performances of dance. The research revealed that participation in traditional dance was an important means through which immigrants may perpetuate links with their ancestral birthplace. Strong affective bonds with that former homeland were noted amongst the large majority of respondents. Dance was also identified as an important signifier of cultural belonging amongst members of both communities. Additionally, the study acknowledged that transnational engagements were not the sole province of immigrants, but also included those who have merely affiliated themselves with a traditional dance genre.