Authentic Balinese Dance & Gamelan (4)
by kadek ferry 2010
Artists from Peliatan first came to international attention when its gamelan orchestra invited to perform on Paris Colonial Exhibition, in 1931. All Peliatan artists, musicians, dancers, painters, sculptures, created sensation to the European art community in that time, and made Bali becoming well-known as a beautiful and artistic place in the world.
Based on the book “Peliatan Legends; 1993” tells that after the triumph of the 1931, in 1937 the Dutch Colonial Government sponsored a gamelan competition among the best groups, held in open square Gianyar regency, Bali. From this competition they won the first prize and endowed a plaque, a flag, and an exemption for one year of the dreaded “kerja rodi” corvée labor service on the roads!
Over the time, during some periods of the 1950s art activities in Peliatan tides due to the uncertain security situation. Even as it is written by John Coast in his book, Dancing Out of Bali, the head female dancer (Janger) from Peliatan kidnapped by an Ambonese who became the Military Commander in Bali and mated. After this he returned to Java and its position was replaced by Islam Salim. In addition, the political situation less conducive to the existence of a national revolution at the time, and Bali was under military law. But all this did not dampen the intentions of a British impresario, John Coast, to bring a group of Balinese gamelan performances abroad. And consequently, in 1952, John Coast had the support and permission from President Sukarno to bring Peliatan group tour to Europe and America.
And in subsequent years in 1971 was held performances in Australia, and 1981 in New York and Mexico.
After regeneration until now the Gunung Sari group is still active preserving the authentic dances of Peliatan. In the night 26 August 2007 as opening they performed the classical kebyar instrumental “Kapiraja”. “Kapiraja” a classic kebyar instrumental. According to John Coast (1952), an instrumental of this northern Bali, specifically studied for the suggestions I Made Lebah to be an opening instrumental in each of the performance that was held at the time, also on the performances that will be done next on the European tour America.
at Istana Presiden Tampaksiring. From the left : President Sukarno, Ayu Bulantrisna Djelantik, anonymous, Suryawati Djelantik, A.A.Gde Bagus Mandera Erawan
After the Kapiraja, followed by the performance of Gabor dance, a classic welcome dance, adapted from the sacred dance “Pependetan”, which usually performed at the temple during the ceremony process. The Gabor was danced by 8 dancers, from 1970’s generations. They are Luh Mas, Jero Puspa, Jero Winari, Suryawati Djelantik, Gst Ayu Raka, Nyoman Remini, Dayu Agung Anggraini, and Cok Parmini.
Another interesting point here is said by some dancers that dance was made at the request of President Sukarno, as the opening dance in events of welcoming guests at the Presidential Palace Tampaksiring at that time.
Author : kadek ferry © f-studio
Photo : Doc. Ayu Bulantrisna Djelantik
