OKI-JAWA
Dance Fusion of Okinawa and Java

Friday, 14 March 2008
6.00 – 7.30pm
NUS Museum
Free Admission by registration at museum@nus.edu.sg  
(Limited Seating)

Separated by thousands of miles, Okinawa in Southern Japan and Java in Indonesia had historical links through trade from the 14th to 16th centuries. In this lecture-demonstration (with some audience participation), the similarities between the dances of these two places will be explained. The use of hands, wrists, arms, legs and body posture are remarkably alike, as is the music. Some traditional dances from Okinawa and Java will be demonstrated in addition to "Oki-Jawa Journeys", a suite of three new dances combining elements from both styles which will be performed for the first time in Singapore.

Garrett Kam, who is originally from Hawaii, has devoted himself to the performing arts of Southeast Asia and especially those of Java, which he has learned, performed and taught since 1975. He studied under master teachers in Yogyakarta, Java. Garrett has also been intrigued by the cultural similarities between Okinawa and Java. He learned Okinawan dance in Hawaii and Okinawa, and has recently started to blend movements from Okinawa and Java into a personal style that reflects his deep interest in these two island cultures.