New York Meets Ubud in Bali

(7/26/2010)

The BALAM Dance Theatre (BALAM) is spending much of their Summer in Bali, celebrating their 20th anniversary via a series of dance performances in conjunction with the Semara Ratih Gamelan Group - one of Bali's leading musical groups. The Bali visit, spanning from July 26 until September 2, was organized by Islene Pinder, Founding Director of BALAM.

BALAM's Artistic Director Carlos Fittante is bringing a small group of talented dancers to present a series of contemporary dances that fuse ballet and modern dance with elements of Balinese dance and theatre.

During the current Bali tour, BALAM will present a number of new works and established parts of the group's repertoire:

• "Sleeping Buddha" - choreographed by a member of the troupe, is a dance quartet piece inspired by the life of the Lord Buddha. Using a hypnotic Shaolin breathing technique as its rhythmic base, the dance presents four archetypal art-depictions of Buddha's life.

• " Sunda Upasunda-NYC Brothers" - also choreographed by a member of the group, this dance is based on a traditional Hindu myth fusing Balinese dance, karate and Spanish dance performed by two male warriors wearing Baroque masks.

• " Tigerlily and the Dragonfly" and "Dragonfly" - both signature works of the troupe.

• " Harlequins Charade" - is choreographed by Pinder and revolves around a masked party. Pinder, who is now 81 years old, will return to the stage after an absence of ten years, dancing the role of "Madame Coo" – a comedic role among an array of zany characters appearing in this work.

Performance Schedule

While the performance schedule is still in development, the following dates have been confirmed:

• August 3 - Pura Desa in Kutuh

• August 7 - Pura Dalem in Ubud

• August 12 - Village of Tegalalang

• August 18 - Village of Batuan Duri.

More information on the groups rehearsals and performances in Bali can be found via the links below:

[BALAM Dance Theatre Website]

[BALAM Dance on FaceBook]

[Balam Dance Website]