Performing Disapora

2 Jun, 2009

Traditional dance does not put the “no” into innovation (with apologies to the shredded wheat commercial)

2009-06-02T17:32:54-07:00By |Categories: CounterPULSE, Performing Diaspora, Sri Susilowati|Tags: , |

The essence of the esthetics of Indonesian dance, and that particularly from the islands of Java and Bali, can be explained through three words: wirama, and wirasa. Wirama means the harmony and internal rhythm of the movement. Wiraga is the intensity and fullness of the movement not in term of its external power, but more along the lines of being filled with chi (in Chinese) or prana (Sanskrit). Soft and delicate movement can be wiraga while movement that is seemingly strong and powerful can lack it altogether. Wirasa is the feeling of the movement. The word “feeling” here is used not in sense of emotion or passion, but in term of the sensation when emotion and mental construct are set aside.

12 Sep, 2013

The Post-Performing Diaspora World

2013-09-12T12:44:22-07:00By |Categories: CounterPULSE, Joti Singh, Performing Diaspora|Tags: , , , , |

Our final meeting for Performing Diaspora involved many tears. Emotions were palpable as artists spoke about having community for the first time, and staff expressed the fulfillment of a long-term vision. This has truly been a unique experience, and I feel emotionally and professionally bound to these people, many of whom I just met a few months ago. To be an artist and to be able to create your work, without worrying about paying for studio space, without worrying about

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