Celebrate this auspicious day of 02.02.2020, where Balinese dancer and teacher Casey Lee will introduce us to the dance and storytelling culture of the Indonesian island of Bali.
Participants of all ages, 6 and up, will get to experience a lesson in Puspawresti – a welcome dance that brings blessings and good will to the occasion for which it is being presented and to all that are in attendance. This type of dance is usually done at the beginning of any performance, or ritual to purify the space as well. It is derived from a traditional dance that was originally done only in the temples, during temple ceremonies, as an offering to the Gods.
Casey began her Javanese and Balinese dance training at the age of seven at the Center for World Music in Berkeley, California, under the auspices of I Nyoman Wenten and Nanik Wenten. Followed by Sundanese (West Java) dance teacher, Pamela Rogers-Aguiniga and then Balinese drummer, I Wayan Suweca, a great master teacher of Balinese gamelan today. Casey became one of the original members and dancers of Gamelan Sekar Jaya, the internationally renowned and the best trained gamelan group outside of Bali. Casey performed extensively with them for eight years.
Throughout her years of training, Casey traveled to Indonesia several times to study with highly acclaimed dance instructors in both Bali and Java, in addition to studying various forms of dance around the world and at UCLA, where she received her Bachelors degree in World Arts and Cultures in 1993.
As a dance instructor, Casey has found that she loves to teach Balinese dance to people, especially children, who are thirsty for this knowledge. Age and ability do not matter to her. What matters most to her is the desire to dance from the heart.
As a child, one of the things that most attracted Casey to Indonesian dance was the strong spiritual (not religious) component of the art. She found that learning to connect to a divine energy through dance gave her a strong foundation and sense of peace.
“I am blessed to be a part of a group of exceptional dancers, musicians, and teachers. Our purpose as a unit goes far beyond just advancing our art…In a sense, I feel it is my obligation to offer this opportunity to others to help find and nurture their passion if it so happens to be in dance. Also I just really love to teach!”
This is an event for the whole family, which includes, young ones, elders, friends and community, ages 6 and up. No dance experience necessary. Not a drop off. Adults without children are welcome. Best for participants to know their left from right and be attentive to teachers.
$30 adult
$20 youth age 6 – 18
Advance payment available by Venmo: @Winter-Reign-1
or
Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/introduction-to-balin…
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