NDI welcomes Balinese children in cultural exchange
In the summer of 2007, NDI brought nine children from Bali, Indonesia to New York City to participate in the Irene Diamond Summer Institute. They were joined by master choreographer and teacher I Nyoman Sura, dancer/choreographer Ni Made Wiratini, and musician I Gusti Nengah Hari Mahardika. The Balinese children participated in ballet, jazz and tap classes with NDI children, and collaborated with them in the creation of an original theatrical piece incorporating Balinese classical dance and American hip-hop. The children performed the work at the Asia Society in New York City, and upstate at the Catskill Mountain Foundation.
The NDI/Balinese Dance Exchange began in the summer of 2006 when NDI Teaching Artist Mary Kennedy and NDI dancer Jamal Wyse* travelled to Bali for three weeks, hosted by Dr. I Wayan Dibia. They participated in Balinese dance classes and shared American culture with their Balinese friends by teaching hip-hop classes. With input from Dr. Dibia, they chose the nine students, ages 10 to 14, to come to New York.
NDI/Balinese Dance Exchange was generously supported by grants from The Asian Cultural Council and The Shelley and Donald Rubin Foundation. The project has been endorsed by The Indonesian Consulate and has received extensive assistance from the American Indonesian Chamber of Commerce. Travel arrangements for the Balinese delegation attending the Irene Diamond Summer Institute were facilitated by Iwata Tours and Travel and Bali Discovery Tours.
*Edward and Sally Van Lier Fellowship recipient
NDI dancer Jamal Wyse performs a Balinese Warrior Dance during his 2006 trip to Bali, Indonesia.
NDI Teaching Artist Mary Kennedy studies with a Balinese musician.
NDI Teaching Artist Mary Kennedy studies with a Balinese musician.
NDI Teaching Artist Mary Kennedy studies with a Balinese musician.