On the island of Bali, traditional dance captures the spirit of ceremonies and corresponds with religious rituals and family and community events. Music and dance blend with worship at temple ceremonies and serve as an oral history and an expression of beauty and power.
Eight time-honored performers come to the Sarah P. Duke Gardens Sunday, Sept. 29, in the Master Dancers of Bali tour as part of the 14-event "Living Traditions" series sponsored by the Duke University Institute of the Arts. Event organizers said, this tour is the first time a small group of eminent dancers and musicians will perform together outside the island of Bali. But the dancers share more than tradition; they share direct lineage. Ranging in age from their early thirties to eighties, three members of the troupe are also part of the same family.
The most exceptional aspect of the performance is sure to be the technique of Ni Ketut Cenik, the most experienced traditional dancer in Bali today. At the age of 81, she and seven other world-renowned Balinese dancers and musicians will perform such pieces as the "Baris Tungal" heroic dance depicting a Balinese soldier at war and the "Oleg Tumulilingan" courtship dance, in full traditional costumes. Although your fall break plans might unfortunately preclude a culture tour to Bali, you can experience its customs this weekend.
--Kim Roller
Performances are Sept. 29 at 3:00 and 7:30 p.m. at the Doris Duke Center in the Sarah P. Duke Gardens. Student tickets are $12, but the view from the bushes is free.
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