Imitating blacks is a tricky business



We read:

"The most Australian interest on the tenth day of the Winter Olympics looks like centring on two Russian figure skaters. Oksana Domnina and Maxim Shabalin are expected to skate to their controversial Australian Aboriginal-themed dance when they do their original routine at the Pacific Coliseum on Sunday afternoon.

The pair have come under fire for choosing the dance which appears to be a misguided homage to indigenous culture. The routine has offended Aboriginal elders because of its random use of loincloths, bodypaint and eucalyptus leaves and there have also been question marks about the music and the use of the didgeridoo.

The Russians first came to prominence doing the routine at last month's European championships. Their coach, Natalia Linichuk, has been keen to make clear that no offence was intended and has taken to carrying a photo of traditionally attired Aborigines with her to show people that her skaters were wearing similar costumes.

"We didn't make this up," she said, showing journalists pictures of Aboriginal dancers wearing leaves around their knees, body paint and a red loincloth similar to their costumes. "They (Domnina and Shabalin) will wear the same costumes (as before), but a little less."

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