HIGHLIGHTS: Cultural Fascination

Date: February 1, 2012
by: Rachel S. O'Hara | Staff Photographer

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Surapsari Megumi

An ampok-ampok is a golden-colored leather belt that is worn by female dancers around their waists. The Balinese consider gold a sacred color.

The Kain Cendrawasih is a skirt in the Cendrawasih (Bird of Paradise) dance. The Cendrawasih is a relatively modern creation. â��The Balinese love dances that were created with inspirations from animal movements and behavior,â�� says Surapsari Megumi.

The Lamak Cenik, Tutup Dada and Sabuk are worn over a long sleeved blouse for the Condong (court lady) dance. Condong dance is part of Legong Lasem (court dance of King Lasem story), which is the most well-known female style of Balinese dance.

The Bapang is worn by both males and females around the neck over a blouse or shirt. It is a must-have item for all male-style dances.

Surapsari Megumi grew up in Japan and moved to the United States 25 years ago. While attending Lesley University, in Massachusetts, Megumi met Indra Sampranata, originally from Bali. While they were dating, Megumi visited Sampranata in Bali and saw a Balinese dance performance. She was mesmerized.

“It was so exotic and I had seen nothing like it,” says Megumi. Sampranata encouraged her to take a lesson while she was visiting. “I resisted because I didn’t think I could do it. I took the lesson, and I got hooked.”

Today Megumi and Sampranata have been married for 14 years, and both perform Balinese dancing.

IF YOU GO
Purnama Sari Balinese Dance Company will perform Saturday, Feb. 4, at Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail.

For more information on performances, lessons, workshops and lectures, visit www.PurnamaSariBali.com.