VENICE - Patrons of the Venice Public Library were treated
to captivating dance and music courtesy of the Purnama
Sari Balinese Dance Company on Saturday, highlighting
the rich culture of the Indonesian island.
Donned in hues of gold, white and red, the trio --
Sampranata Pablo, Surapsari Megumi and son Dewa
Bhumi -- presented numerous masked dances, also known
as Topeng dances.
"In Balinese culture, dances were created as an offering to
the gods and goddesses," Megumi said. "All dances are
considered sacred and it is a major tourist attraction."
Dozens of patrons turned out to view the exotic dances
and get a crash course in Balinese culture. The family of
three, who currently live in Bali, made a special stop in
Venice as a thank you to the town where they lived three
years ago. "They're only in the states for a few months, so
we're very fortunate to have them here," said Youth
Department Supervisor Jo Lize, who has become close to
the family over the past few years.
All dances were crowd-pleasers, including Topeng Tua, a
dance dedicated to older people. "I have seen dances
from all over the world, but I've never seen a dance
particularly dedicated to senior citizens," Megumi said. "In
the Balinese society, older people are very respected and
play a very active part in the villages. They are treasured,
so it's fitting we have a dance just for them."
to captivating dance and music courtesy of the Purnama
Sari Balinese Dance Company on Saturday, highlighting
the rich culture of the Indonesian island.
Donned in hues of gold, white and red, the trio --
Sampranata Pablo, Surapsari Megumi and son Dewa
Bhumi -- presented numerous masked dances, also known
as Topeng dances.
"In Balinese culture, dances were created as an offering to
the gods and goddesses," Megumi said. "All dances are
considered sacred and it is a major tourist attraction."
Dozens of patrons turned out to view the exotic dances
and get a crash course in Balinese culture. The family of
three, who currently live in Bali, made a special stop in
Venice as a thank you to the town where they lived three
years ago. "They're only in the states for a few months, so
we're very fortunate to have them here," said Youth
Department Supervisor Jo Lize, who has become close to
the family over the past few years.
All dances were crowd-pleasers, including Topeng Tua, a
dance dedicated to older people. "I have seen dances
from all over the world, but I've never seen a dance
particularly dedicated to senior citizens," Megumi said. "In
the Balinese society, older people are very respected and
play a very active part in the villages. They are treasured,
so it's fitting we have a dance just for them."
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Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Dancers from Bali share their culture
By SHELLY OLATOYAN
Correspondent
Published: Wednesday, April 22, 2009 at 1:00 a.m.
Last Modified: Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at 3:16 p.m.
Dancers from Bali share their culture
By SHELLY OLATOYAN
Correspondent
Published: Wednesday, April 22, 2009 at 1:00 a.m.
Last Modified: Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at 3:16 p.m.
Topeng Tua, a masked dance to honor the elderly,
was a crowd-pleaser. Sampranata Pablo, Dewa
Bhumi and Surapsari Megumi, who lived in Venice
three years ago, performed Balinese dances at the
Venice Public Library. CORRESPONDENT PHOTOS
/ SHELLY OLATOYAN
was a crowd-pleaser. Sampranata Pablo, Dewa
Bhumi and Surapsari Megumi, who lived in Venice
three years ago, performed Balinese dances at the
Venice Public Library. CORRESPONDENT PHOTOS
/ SHELLY OLATOYAN
| PURNAMA SARI BALINESE DANCE COMPANY |
Members of the audience participated in a question-and-answer segment during the one-hour show, learning
interesting facts about Bali and its people. "In the culture, white masks stand for purity and nobility; so, for
instance, a king's mask would be white. Red masks represent coarseness," Megumi said. "And in general,
Balinese love the color gold, which is seen as sacred."
The family intends to make the Venice Public Library an annual stop. "It's so nifty to have them here for the
cultural experience," Lize said. "We hope to have them back next year."
interesting facts about Bali and its people. "In the culture, white masks stand for purity and nobility; so, for
instance, a king's mask would be white. Red masks represent coarseness," Megumi said. "And in general,
Balinese love the color gold, which is seen as sacred."
The family intends to make the Venice Public Library an annual stop. "It's so nifty to have them here for the
cultural experience," Lize said. "We hope to have them back next year."
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