Photo by Byba Sepit

Balinese Dance

In Bali, traditional dance is regarded as a form of worhsip and offering to be performed within temple ceremonies. Today, dance in Bali represents a rich mixture of ancient, traditional forms, new creations and hybrid experiments. Balinese dance can be roughly broken down into the following categories:

Sacred – dances only performed in the innermost section of the temple.

Classical – including dances in the pelegongan and kebyar forms that have highly-stylized, virtuosic movements and forms.

New creations  (kreasi baru)– often developed in state-funded conservatories and local arts clubs and are strongly influenced by the basic tenets of traditional forms while allowing freedom in choreography, characters, story, costume, and make-up.

Dance-drama – since the 1960s Indonesian choreographers have experimental with large scale productions of dramas such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata. These experiments led to the sendratari form, although older, smaller scale forms such as drama gong, arja, wayang wong, topeng and prembon influence such modern experiments.

 

The Balinese Dance Program at Dharma Swara

Dharma Swara’s dance program was started in 2001 with the arrival of Balinese master dance artist Ida Ayu Ari Candrawati to New York. Trained in Balinese dance since childhood, Ida Ayu Ari Candrawati leads one of the few Balinese dance programs in existence in the U.S. The program consists of a full range of classes for all levels, including beginners, intermediate and advanced students.  Along with ongoing classes, Dharma Swara also teaches workshops for universities, community centers and arts institutions.

Class  & Workshop Details

Dance classes are held Sundays from 1-3 at the Indonesian Consulate. Beginners are welcome to observe and follow, although inclusion in any performance is at the discretion of Ms. Candrawati. However, please be sure to email info@dharmaswara.org to inquire about class times prior to coming due to potential re-scheduling. Please remember to wear comfortable, loose clothing, preferably a sarong.

Teaching Styles

Balinese dance is stylistically intricate and technically precise, the dance vocabulary consisting of an array of different positions called agem, sledet or eye motions, and other movements. Ms. Candrawati teaches in a traditional Balinese style, involving repetition and imitation in which the teacher dances either to taped music or sings the music as the student follows. The teacher will also stand behind the student, manipulating and molding the student’s body into correct positions and movements.

Further Reading: Dibia, I Wayan, Rucina Ballinger and Barbara Anello. 2011. Balinese Dance, Drama and Music. Tuttle.