The dance of bali
Combining spiritual, mystical and timeless form
by Amy Swan
Special to West Hawaii Today
Friday, February 22, 2008 8:49 AM HST
The two-member dance company Purnama Sari brought ancient
and timeless Balinese dance to life before an appreciative and
spellbound audience at King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel
Saturday night.
In this first-time West Hawaii appearance by the dance company,
the intimate venue was prepared with gold umbrellas to symbolize
protection, and ritually blessed with holy water, hinting at the
mystical experience to come as dancer Surapsari Megumi
appeared to open the performance with a dance of welcome and
blessing for the Balinese deities and audience, as well.
Accompanied by the ethereal sounds of Balinese flute and
percussion instruments, Megumi appeared in a dazzling traditional
design fuchsia and gold costume to display the highly stylized and
otherworldly movements characteristic of Balinesian temple dance.
This solo dance featured the scattering of flowers to symbolize the
blessings conferred and effectively immersed the assembly into
the mystical world of Bali, Indonesia.
The program continued with alternating solo performances by
Megumi and her husband, Indra Sampranata Pablo, each
presenting a traditional character in Balinese legend and
culture including warriors, a princess and a foolish old man. The
presentation titled "Baris" depicted the archetypical hero
preparing for the challenges of life in moving forward, retreating
and standing firm. In this dance, Pablo wore an intricate headdress
with a forest of moving pieces pointing toward the heavens
along with a heavily beaded and fringed costume. He used
movement to depict the character's struggle to prepare for the
tasks of life and culminating in peaceful harmony.
Megumi also performed a warrior dance called "Taruna Jaya,"
using a fan to emphasize the struggle of her character in
transformation. Intricate hand movements slowly revealing
her face were meant to represent "taking away the veils of life to
see the reality of life," according to Pablo.
Combining spiritual, mystical and timeless form
by Amy Swan
Special to West Hawaii Today
Friday, February 22, 2008 8:49 AM HST
The two-member dance company Purnama Sari brought ancient
and timeless Balinese dance to life before an appreciative and
spellbound audience at King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel
Saturday night.
In this first-time West Hawaii appearance by the dance company,
the intimate venue was prepared with gold umbrellas to symbolize
protection, and ritually blessed with holy water, hinting at the
mystical experience to come as dancer Surapsari Megumi
appeared to open the performance with a dance of welcome and
blessing for the Balinese deities and audience, as well.
Accompanied by the ethereal sounds of Balinese flute and
percussion instruments, Megumi appeared in a dazzling traditional
design fuchsia and gold costume to display the highly stylized and
otherworldly movements characteristic of Balinesian temple dance.
This solo dance featured the scattering of flowers to symbolize the
blessings conferred and effectively immersed the assembly into
the mystical world of Bali, Indonesia.
The program continued with alternating solo performances by
Megumi and her husband, Indra Sampranata Pablo, each
presenting a traditional character in Balinese legend and
culture including warriors, a princess and a foolish old man. The
presentation titled "Baris" depicted the archetypical hero
preparing for the challenges of life in moving forward, retreating
and standing firm. In this dance, Pablo wore an intricate headdress
with a forest of moving pieces pointing toward the heavens
along with a heavily beaded and fringed costume. He used
movement to depict the character's struggle to prepare for the
tasks of life and culminating in peaceful harmony.
Megumi also performed a warrior dance called "Taruna Jaya,"
using a fan to emphasize the struggle of her character in
transformation. Intricate hand movements slowly revealing
her face were meant to represent "taking away the veils of life to
see the reality of life," according to Pablo.
Indra Sampranata Pablo performs the
dance Baris. The solo Baris, or warrior
dance, was extracted from the ancient group
dance ritual of the Baris Code. The dance
depicts a heroic figure preparing for the
battle of life, learning to advance, retreat and
hold his position. - Photos By Baron Sekiya |
West Hawaii Today
dance Baris. The solo Baris, or warrior
dance, was extracted from the ancient group
dance ritual of the Baris Code. The dance
depicts a heroic figure preparing for the
battle of life, learning to advance, retreat and
hold his position. - Photos By Baron Sekiya |
West Hawaii Today
Surapsari Megumi performs Taruna Jaya.
The dance is a warrior dance performed by a
female, which depicts a proud and victorious
young warrior facing the challenges of
transformation. - Baron Sekiya | West Hawaii
Today
The dance is a warrior dance performed by a
female, which depicts a proud and victorious
young warrior facing the challenges of
transformation. - Baron Sekiya | West Hawaii
Today
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| PURNAMA SARI BALINESE DANCE COMPANY |
Pablo's dance titled "Jauk Manis" paid homage to the Balinesian trickster figure, and his costume included an
elaborate mask and headdress complete with mother-of-pearl teeth and burning incense. This playful character,
which is present in many cultures to embody the unexpected events in life, engaged the audience with his antics and
individual greetings. This dance in particular symbolically bridged the gap between the spirit world and the physical
world, fulfilling the traditional purpose of Balinese dance as a unifying medium and is categorized as a magical dance.
Big Island residents Pablo and Megumi bring impressive credentials to their craft. Each holds a graduate degree
from Lesley University in Massachusetts having specialized in interdisciplinary studies and intercultural relations,
respectively.
As long time residents of Bali, they have practiced dance rituals with internationally acclaimed Balinesian dancers as
well as priests for whom this art is a way of life. Megumi has also published a book on Balinese culture and dance
titled "My Bali."
To those more accustomed to Western dance expression forms, this performance was filled with unexpected,
unfamiliar, and sometimes jarring elements integral to the rich layers of meaning and purpose for which Balinesian
sacred dance was created.
Instead of being a creative form of self expression, these dances are meant to influence the mystical forces of the
spirit world that permeate the culture of Bali. Pablo notes that the audience is meant to experience the essence of
the performance being transmitted by the dancer who is trained to "empty themselves" in preparation for the ritual.
This sentiment is captured in the traditional statement Pablo shares: "Don't look at how I'm dancing. Look at the
dance." Nevertheless, the unique elements of the dance form are captivating. For example, specialized eye
movements called "Seledet" transmit the spiritual energy of the deities and the repeated stepping from side to side
brings opposing world forces into harmony.
Even movements of individual fingers carry meaning and power in these exotic dances. Understanding these
features allows deeper appreciation of the dances performed, beyond the beauty and skill apparent on the surface.
Indra Sampranata Pablo performs the dance Baris. The solo Baris, or warrior dance, was extracted from the ancient
group dance ritual of the Baris Code. The dance depicts a heroic figure preparing for the battle of life, learning to
advance, retreat and hold his position. - Photos By Baron Sekiya | West Hawaii Today
To experience the artistry of Purnama Sari is to become intrigued by the mystical and magical culture of Bali along
with the performers who have dedicated themselves to illuminating this world. Pablo explains that the Balinese
"worship the elements and ancestral deities" as a way of life, a world view borne of their agrarian lifestyle that
continues today. Ritual dance brings the world of spirit into tangible form to make it accessible, holding the fabric of
the two dimensions together. Pablo further explains that Balinese culture emphasizes "the whole being" rather than
the factual and rational perspective of the West, thus requiring ritual to unify disparate elements of good and evil,
male and female, yin and yang, and spirit and form. The religious roots of the dance include a mix of Indian
Hinduism, Tantric Buddhism, and native animism that combine to form the spiritual life of Bali. As such, Balinesian
ritual dance is complex and "of the earth," which is a dichotomy in itself.
This outstanding performance represents just one aspect of Purnama Sari's repertoire. The couple also conducts
workshops exploring the principles and origins of Balinesian spirituality and dance as well as instruction in the ritual
dance techniques themselves. They have created a children's performance featuring the traditional Indian epic,
Ramayana, which is a classic struggle between good and evil. In addition to this dance, the children's program
includes presentation of another Hindu myth, Mahabharata, presented through the traditional art of Balinese shadow
puppetry brought to life by their associate, Lee Michael Walczuk. The dance company has been performing and
teaching nationally since 2000, and for Big Island audiences for the past two years, and they hope to become more
active in West Hawaii in the future.
An opportunity to experience the magic and mysticism of traditional Balinese temple dancing is rare outside of Bali
itself, and Purnama Sari offers audiences this rare gift as an offering to Big Island residents simultaneously with
performing the ritual for the Balinese deities themselves. It is an art form to enjoy for its obvious exotic beauty but is
best appreciated in the context of the complex and ancient cultural roots from which it springs.
For more information about Purnama Sari and upcoming performances, information is available at
http://www.PurnamaSariBali.com on the internet.
elaborate mask and headdress complete with mother-of-pearl teeth and burning incense. This playful character,
which is present in many cultures to embody the unexpected events in life, engaged the audience with his antics and
individual greetings. This dance in particular symbolically bridged the gap between the spirit world and the physical
world, fulfilling the traditional purpose of Balinese dance as a unifying medium and is categorized as a magical dance.
Big Island residents Pablo and Megumi bring impressive credentials to their craft. Each holds a graduate degree
from Lesley University in Massachusetts having specialized in interdisciplinary studies and intercultural relations,
respectively.
As long time residents of Bali, they have practiced dance rituals with internationally acclaimed Balinesian dancers as
well as priests for whom this art is a way of life. Megumi has also published a book on Balinese culture and dance
titled "My Bali."
To those more accustomed to Western dance expression forms, this performance was filled with unexpected,
unfamiliar, and sometimes jarring elements integral to the rich layers of meaning and purpose for which Balinesian
sacred dance was created.
Instead of being a creative form of self expression, these dances are meant to influence the mystical forces of the
spirit world that permeate the culture of Bali. Pablo notes that the audience is meant to experience the essence of
the performance being transmitted by the dancer who is trained to "empty themselves" in preparation for the ritual.
This sentiment is captured in the traditional statement Pablo shares: "Don't look at how I'm dancing. Look at the
dance." Nevertheless, the unique elements of the dance form are captivating. For example, specialized eye
movements called "Seledet" transmit the spiritual energy of the deities and the repeated stepping from side to side
brings opposing world forces into harmony.
Even movements of individual fingers carry meaning and power in these exotic dances. Understanding these
features allows deeper appreciation of the dances performed, beyond the beauty and skill apparent on the surface.
Indra Sampranata Pablo performs the dance Baris. The solo Baris, or warrior dance, was extracted from the ancient
group dance ritual of the Baris Code. The dance depicts a heroic figure preparing for the battle of life, learning to
advance, retreat and hold his position. - Photos By Baron Sekiya | West Hawaii Today
To experience the artistry of Purnama Sari is to become intrigued by the mystical and magical culture of Bali along
with the performers who have dedicated themselves to illuminating this world. Pablo explains that the Balinese
"worship the elements and ancestral deities" as a way of life, a world view borne of their agrarian lifestyle that
continues today. Ritual dance brings the world of spirit into tangible form to make it accessible, holding the fabric of
the two dimensions together. Pablo further explains that Balinese culture emphasizes "the whole being" rather than
the factual and rational perspective of the West, thus requiring ritual to unify disparate elements of good and evil,
male and female, yin and yang, and spirit and form. The religious roots of the dance include a mix of Indian
Hinduism, Tantric Buddhism, and native animism that combine to form the spiritual life of Bali. As such, Balinesian
ritual dance is complex and "of the earth," which is a dichotomy in itself.
This outstanding performance represents just one aspect of Purnama Sari's repertoire. The couple also conducts
workshops exploring the principles and origins of Balinesian spirituality and dance as well as instruction in the ritual
dance techniques themselves. They have created a children's performance featuring the traditional Indian epic,
Ramayana, which is a classic struggle between good and evil. In addition to this dance, the children's program
includes presentation of another Hindu myth, Mahabharata, presented through the traditional art of Balinese shadow
puppetry brought to life by their associate, Lee Michael Walczuk. The dance company has been performing and
teaching nationally since 2000, and for Big Island audiences for the past two years, and they hope to become more
active in West Hawaii in the future.
An opportunity to experience the magic and mysticism of traditional Balinese temple dancing is rare outside of Bali
itself, and Purnama Sari offers audiences this rare gift as an offering to Big Island residents simultaneously with
performing the ritual for the Balinese deities themselves. It is an art form to enjoy for its obvious exotic beauty but is
best appreciated in the context of the complex and ancient cultural roots from which it springs.
For more information about Purnama Sari and upcoming performances, information is available at
http://www.PurnamaSariBali.com on the internet.
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