My Balinese dance experience

By Nurul Aisyah Binte Juferi

Year 3, Communications and New Media major


SE2224 students with their dance teachers during the last day of dance class in Pengosekan


Nurul (left) in her costume for the Sekar Jagat dance


Some of the performers in 'Taksu'

I have always found it a joy to watch Balinese dance performances, often captivated by the dancers' expressions of mood and meaning through their countenance, eyes, hand gestures, or hip and feet movements. As a Malay dancer, I wanted to explore beyond contemporary Malay dance and was thankful that the module "SE2224: Unmasked! An Introduction to Traditional Dance in SEA" provided the opportunity to learn Balinese dance during a one-week field trip in September 2012.

Professor Irving Johnson, who taught this module, brought us to Ubud, Bali where we attended Balinese dance classes. Pak Ketut, Pak Wayan and four female teachers led our daily classes, held in Pengosekan. While the girls learned the 'Pendet' and 'Sekar Jagat' dances (both traditional, welcoming dances), the boys were taught the 'Baris' (a traditional war dance). Initially, it was a challenge to familiarise ourselves with the dance given the limited time available. But over time, we found ourselves thoroughly enjoying the whole process. It was an enriching experience interacting with our teachers who were very patient with us despite our imperfections.

Besides watching cultural performances, we attended a temple ceremony and watched the 'Gambuh' (an ancient form of Balinese dance-drama) performed specially for us in Pak Ketut's residence. We were also brought to the house of Ida Bagus Alit, a well-known mask maker in Ubud, and saw the process of carving masks and his myriad collection of masks. It was definitely an eye-opener!

We were invited to Pak Nyoman's (a friend of Prof Irving) house for dinner one night. His family welcomed us warmly and prepared a spread of local dishes for us. Pak Nyoman and his young children put up a mini performance for us, and we in turn performed our pieces. There was much fun and laughter that night as we bonded over the dancing, conversation and food.

This memorable experience gave me a different perspective of Bali. I am thankful for the intimate interactions with the Balinese during dance classes, and at the mask maker's house, temples and hotel.

Our Balinese dance concert, 'Taksu', was successfully staged at Lecture Theatre 13 on 3 November 2012, garnering much positive feedback. It was truly an unforgettable experience, I am sure, my fellow classmates felt so too. .

13 February 2013