Dangerous dancers

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 234, 8 March 1988, Page 10 (Supplement)

Dangerous dancers

Nepalese dancing by Gurkha Soldiers is to be a highlight of Desert Fair 88. Dressed in simple yet colourful and exotic national costume, a troupe of dancers, drawn from the visiting Gurkha soldiers will weave a web of delight. Their artistry will undoubtedly conjure up, visions of a mysteriotfs land, of sunlight valleys and swift rivers nestled at the feet of the snow capped Himalayas which they call home. Dressed in their camouflaged combat fatigues, these same na-

tive Nepalese will conjure up the Military folklore, which has made the name Gurkha synonymous with the red badge of courage and unflinching loyalty. Their military expertise will be clearly demonstrated in the Main Arena at Patterson Field, when they conduct a mock attack on the area to secure a landing zone for a helicopter. The combination o f the different costumes they wear, make these robust men from Nepal, both delightful and

dangerous as dancers and soldiers. Commanding the 140-strong company is 26-year-old Captain John Craig from Falkland in Fife. After 18 yeas in Zimbabwe he retumed with his parents to Scotland - joining the Army in 1980. An officer in the Kings Own Scottish Borderers he has served with the Brigade of Gurkhas for one year. Second-in-Command is Captain (Queen's Gurkha Officer) Guptabahadur Gurung and the Administrative Officer is Major Tony Bergin.