DAI's 10th BALI PROGRAM, 2014
JANUARY 7 - FEBRUARY 5
(dates may vary by one or two days, will be firm in June)
Our Study Abroad: Bali program is open to actors, musicians, designers, dancers, maskmakers, directors, teachers, and anyone who is interested in the Balinese culture and performing arts. No previous enrollment in Dell'Arte programs is required.
In this unique and wonderfully successful program participants study traditional Balinese performing arts and crafts with village masters in their own homes. This trip introduces students to Balinese performing arts in a way that allows you to experience how the Balinese live and create, and how family life and religious customs are woven into the creation of art. Bali is an extraordinary island where creativity is ordinary. Art serves the community, the religious practices, the economy and everyday living. This program is designed for those who want to participate in the family and ceremonial life of outstanding Balinese master teachers, during an intensive study month.
Check out the short video by participant Anson Smith of our 2013 trip, vimeo.com/59209548
or read: Bali Blog 2007 by School Director Joan Schirle
Due to the sacred nature of most Balinese arts and the complete intertwining of daily life with ritual, this trip can be an opportunity to deepen an internal connection to your own artistic practice, as well as to take inspiration for creative projects. During our 2011 trip we were invited to both public and private ceremonies--weddings, cremations, blessings of masks and puppets, temple anniversaries, and coming-of-age ceremonies. Respectful attendance at their ceremonies is welcomed by the Balinese people, whose religion is Hindu with Buddhist influences.
Since 1996 Dell’Arte International has invited participants from many countries to immerse themselves in the traditional arts of Bali and encounter the profound spirit of the Balinese people. Participants from Norway, England, Korea, India, Canada, Brazil, Mexico City, Spain, Holland, Sweden, Moldova, and the USA have taken part. They've ranged in age from 19 - 60, so we are an international, multi-generational group, and we include the 3rd year MFA class from the Dell'Arte International School of Physical Theatre.
THE PROGRAM
The program begins with a relaxing traditional Balinese buffet dinner, followed by three days of orientation to the language, customs, and ceremonies of Bali, as well as informal meetings with Balinese teachers to observe their work. Orientation will include a symposium on masks with famous carver I. B. Anom, visits to the studios of several mask carvers and puppet makers, and attendance at the famous kecak, or monkey-chant dance by firelight.
During the three and a half weeks of formal study, classes meet five days a week. Sometimes our study will take place in a classroom setting, sometimes outdoors, and most often in its traditional setting at village and temple ceremonies.
In addition to their core area of study, all students will study kecak, the rhythmic vocal chant, as well as participate in alternating yoga/Alexander Technique, ensemble voice/chant sessions, plus symposiums on the links between Balinese and western mask performance traditions.
All along there will be time for recreation such as mountain hiking, beaches, scuba, nightlife and shopping, including guidance on how to buy Balinese crafts. Massage and revitalizing body treatments are available at extremely low cost.
CORE AREAS OF STUDY
The core of the program is designed so that each student spends a large percentage of their class time on an area of interest most important to them, and we offer the following options:
• Mask Carving
• Mask Carving/ Balinese Dance (topeng or women's dance)
• Shadow puppetry (wayang kulit) / music/ Balinese dance
MASK CARVING
Learn from a Balinese master carver how to work with the wood, the traditional tools (axe, chisels, knives), and the paints to create traditional and contemporary masks. You may order and bring home your own complete set of tools. Students will spend 4 – 5 hours daily in the home of their teacher.
For a lively account of one man’s encounter with mask carving, visit this link for interview with design Professor Ron Naverson (S. Illinois U, Carbondale), who was on our ’03 trip.
MASK CARVING/BALINESE DANCE
Your class day will include one hour of Balinese dance. Topeng is the name of the masked dance form performed at most Balinese ceremonies, or you may elect to study the powerful yet graceful dance forms of the women of Bali. You will work in the studio of a Balinese master teacher, learning the basic walks, postures, arm and head movements in the mask. Topeng is based on stock characters like the king, minister, clown, and you will have the opportunity to see it performed at village ceremonies during your studies. Your carving program is the same as that described above.
SHADOW PUPPETRY(wayang kulit) & BALINESE DANCE
Wayang kulit is the traditional art of storytelling through shadow puppets, performed by firelight. The puppet master is a combination of priest, storyteller, therapist, actor, and improviser, who manipulates and voices dozens of puppets in one play.
Your class day will include one hour of Balinese dance (see above). Your afternoon will be spent at the home of a shadow puppet master, or dalang, who will instruct you in the art of leather puppet making: design, using the metal punches, painting and rigging techniques. You will observe how the traditional shadow screen is used, and develop a short shadow play. Those who are interested in learning Balinese music may elect to spend some time learning the gamelan instrument, the gender, which accompanies shadow plays.
For students who wish to study more dance, we will arrange for other teachers depending on your interest, at a small additional cost.
In addition to the primary focus classes, there are daily warmups plus Dell'Arte mask and movement techniques led by Dell'Arte's Founding Artistic Director Joan Schirle and Dell'Arte faculty.
ACCOMODATIONS
Cost is based on double occupancy in fan-cooled rooms with two beds, private bath, and breakfast included. (Single rooms available for supplemental cost). There is a swimming pool, beautiful gardens, and a covered, open-air studio where some of our classes will be held. Other meals are available in nearby restaurants at very reasonable costs. Vegetarian food is easily available.
You may apply for a shortened version of the program, but must be able to begin the course on the start date. Address inquiries to the Bali program director. No previous experience with Dell'Arte Int'l is necessary to participate in our Bali program.
All enrolled participants will receive detailed advance information on what to bring, how to prepare, and much more.
"I become effusive and teary and also jubilant and excited whenever I think, talk, dream or breathe about Bali...It was the most precious and most visceral and most illuminating experience of my life and everyday, it becomes more so."
Liz Garrott, MFA, U. Penn
“I felt that Dell’Arte truly fed my mind, my body, and my spirit making for an incredibly fulfilling experience. I believe the experience will affect me for the rest of my life”
Ron Naversen, Professor of Design, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale
Click here to apply; we continue to accept applications until the trip is full.
Click here for info on Tuition and Fees |