WHILE most students have been counting down the days until the end of the school year, Leichhardt State School’s Deadly Dancers have been busy creating their own invitation for Ed Sheeran to visit Ipswich when he tours Australia early next year.
The Ipswich school, which proudly teaches Yagara language, has translated a verse of Ed Sheeran’s song Sandman as part of a choreographed performance by the Leichhardt Deadly Dancers.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said she had received many offers of support to get behind her campaign to bring Ed Sheeran to Ipswich, but none quite as special as the performance from the Leichhardt Deadly Dancers.
“I was blown away by Leichhardt State School’s offer to win over Ed Sheeran with their own unique performance of Sandman, a lullaby written for his own daughter Lyra,” Mayor Harding said.
“To hear this emotive track performed in Yagara language is really something quite special.
“There are many Ipswich cities across the world, including Ed’s own hometown in the UK, but we believe ours is unique. Nothing showcases that more than this wonderful performance from the Leichhardt Deadly Dancers.”
The Mayor said it was an honour to visit Leichhardt State School and see the performance of Sandman.
“We’ve captured it and will be making sure it finds its way to Ed Sheeran and his team as part of our ongoing invitation to him to visit Ipswich early next year.”
Leichhardt State School Principal Andrew Goldie said the Sheeran performance was a great way to showcase the school’s commitment to preserving and celebrating Aboriginal culture, and the hard work of the Edlers, teachers and students involved.
“We were fortunate to have the knowledge of Uncle Henry and Aunty Larena in translating Sandman into Yagara language and working with our Deadly Dancers to choreograph a beautiful performance to this song,” Mr Goldie said.
“We know that Ed Sheeran loves to visit and explore the cultures of the places he visits around the world, so we thought this would be the perfect way to showcase Ipswich to him and invite him to visit.
“The Deadly Dancers have been rehearsing in their own time to create this special performance, and we certainly hope it catches Ed Sheeran’s attention with its connection to our Traditional Owners and their storytelling.”
