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."
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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| PURNAMA SARI BALINESE DANCE COMPANY |
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.
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."
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."
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
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