Ep 5. Bali
We Speak Dance is a riveting documentary series that explores the universal language of dance. In this episode, Bali, we follow the show's host, choreographer and dancer Vandana Hart, as she visits the Indonesian island of Bali to explore the traditional and contemporary dance styles of this culturally rich nation.
The episode starts with Vandana exploring the beautiful island of Bali, which is famous for its vibrant arts scene. She meets with local dancers and choreographers to learn about the various traditional dance styles of Bali. The first stop on Vandana's journey is a famous temple where she learns about the Balinese dance drama called Barong. The dance drama portrays the battle between good and evil forces and is performed wearing elaborate costumes. Vandana learns the intricacies of the dance and tries on a Barong mask for herself.
Next, Vandana visits a school of traditional dance where young students practice various Balinese dance styles. She watches them practice with their teacher and learns about how dancers in Bali are trained from a young age in the art of dance. The dedication and commitment of the young dancers are evident as they practice their moves with precision and focus.
Vandana also explores the more modern side of dance in Bali. She meets with a group of street dancers who fuse traditional Balinese dance with hip hop and contemporary dance styles. They explain how they use dance as a way to express their love for Bali and its culture, and as a way to bring people together. The group holds a street dance performance in an alleyway, and the energy and passion they bring to the performance are infectious.
After exploring both traditional and contemporary dance styles, Vandana meets with a local artist who creates beautiful Batik textiles. Batik is an art form where wax is applied to cloth before it's dyed to create beautiful patterns. Vandana learns about the symbolism behind the patterns on Batik textiles and how they reflect the beliefs and values of the Balinese people.
Lastly, Vandana visits a dance performance featuring some of Bali's best modern dance companies. She watches in awe as the dancers take the stage with their mesmerizing movements and intricate choreography. Vandana interviews some of the dancers and choreographers after the performance, and they reveal how they use dance to communicate their ideas and emotions, transcending language barriers.
Overall, the Bali episode of We Speak Dance offers a beautiful depiction of the traditional and modern dance styles of Bali. Vandana's in-depth exploration of Balinese dance is both informative and entertaining, and viewers can't help but appreciate the culture and artistry of the Balinese people. Whether you're a dancer or not, this episode is a must-watch for anyone who loves and appreciates the art of dance.
