Jakarta - Ethan Nicholas Fishbane is concentrating on following the movement of the Baris Bali Dance, a dance that reflects the bravery of soldiers on the battlefield.
Even though he struggles in following the rhythm of the gamelan (Balinese traditional percussion ensemble), this student of dance in Princeton University, U.S.A., is still in good spirit and keep on smiling.
Fishbane is one of the 20 participants who follow the three week program “Çudamani Summer Institute 2010”.
This is an intensive study program of Bali dance and gamelan of international standard held in Pengosekan, Ubud, very useful for anyone who studies ethnomusicology,” said Fishbane to Tempo Sunday afternoon (11/7).
Most of the participants are from abroad, such as the U.S.A., France and Norway.
There are also those coming from Jakarta and Bali.
They do not only follow a dense schedule of dance and gamelan 6-8 hours a day, but also discussion lectures and demonstration by teaching teams, and direct observation of various performances and religious ceremonies.
The daily interaction with the Pengosekan Village art community is also part of the curriculum.
They are even given the chance to perform dance in Pura which are performing ceremonies.
The unique formula is managed with the aim to provide a full and authentic experience in an effort to understand the link between art, spirituality and the community in Bali culture.
The lectures are not only Çudamani dancers and music experts but also maestroes of Bali dance and gamelan, such as Ni Ketut Arini, I Nyoman Cerita, I Made Arnawa, dan I Dewa Putu Berata.
Cundamani Director, Emiko Saraswati Susilo, said that the yearly program has been conducted four times and always have a warm response.
Participants from abroad mostly have known Cundamani from performances held several time in foreign workshops.
“They are not regular tourists, but people really interested to learn dancing and understanding Bali culture,” said the women of a Japanese descendant, married to a Balinese man.
Even though the training is short, she assures that participants are able to master the basic of gamelan and Balinese dance.
The program is quite expensive, around US$ 1.950 for foreigners.
For Indonesia, Emiko admits to keep continuing to review the price.
“We hope there will be many more Indonesia participating so there will be a cultural dialog here,” said Emiko, living in Bali since 1996.
Source: http://www.tempointeractive.com
