Take a trip across Asia through dance with Rasas, a programme of traditional and folk dances from the region. These dances reflect the rich multi-cultural heritage that is unique to the many communities in Singapore and its neighbouring countries. At the Concourse, travel to places like Java, Okinawa and as far as Central Asia. Presented as dance-demonstrations, the colourful and spirited performances will not only entertain but enlighten as you get to hear explanations of each dance form's background, movements and music. Meanwhile, at the new Outdoor Theatre, the Ramayana will be performed in different traditional dance forms on different evenings. This ancient Hindu epic is an integral part of Asian heritage and the story is told in each culture through their own traditional dances, revealing the region's shared history and cross-cultural influences still seen in the arts today. You will be enraptured as the scenes unfold under the moonlit night. Begin your Asian tour right here at Rasas!
Indian
Indian folk dances are typically performed to express joy at social occasions and celebrations. In Dandiya Raas, dancers form two circles, creating rhythms with their sticks, with the women dazzling in their rich bejewelled costumes. Koli is a popular dance of Maharashtra. A popular folk dance of maharashra is the fishermen dance. This unique dance depicts the happiness of the fisher folk community after a successful day out at sea.
Central Asia Tibet Mysterious Tibet pays homage to nature and the dance movements are evocative Tibetan landscape. The traditional
long sleeves in the costume show the dancers' respect for nature.
Mongolia
Traditionally performed for royalty, the dance entitled Blessings of Mongolia is popular at festivals today. It depicts a maid in the pastures milking the cows and celebrates the happiness of completing a hard day's work. Attired in huge colourful circular skirts, the dancers combine dance steps and acrobatic skills in their performance.
Kazak (Xinjiang)
Comprising one of China's many ethnic groups, the Kazaks are a nomadic people originating from the region known as Xinjiang province today. A La Mu Han is a dance that expresses the hospitality shown at a banquet as the dancers welcome the guests and perform a tambourine dance to entertain them.
Cambodia
Highly stylised and performed mostly by females, Khmer classical dance was originally confined to the courts of royal palaces. This dance form is also featured in the many forms of Khmer theatre (Ikhaon) such as Lkhaon Kbach Boran, a genre of dance drama. The Moni Mekhala and Golden Mermaid dances both depict stories and characters from the Reamker, the Khmer version of the Ramayana.
Okinawa
Okinawan dances have many different forms that show influences from East and Southeast Asia. Among them are Kajiyadefu Bushi, a court dance performed at the start of an auspicious event, and Eisa, a traditional dance performed to welcome visiting ancestral spirits. Also featured is Hatoma Bushi, a popular dance about a tiny island near Taiwan.
Java
Presented are four short solo Javanese dances that are part of a typical Wayang Wong court dance drama seen in Yogyakarta. The main characters of the Ramayana epic are depicted through movements which show their personal qualities and characteristics. The performances show the graceful Sita being abducted by the aggressive Ravana, King of Lanka. Her noble husband Lord Rama rescues her with the help of the heroic monkey King Hanuman.
Malay Peninsula
Folk and tribal dances remain the cultural pride of the Malay Peninsula where there are many indigenous groups such as the Ibans, Kenyahs and Bidayuhs. The dances, performed in elaborate costumes and accessories unique to each tribe, usually depict nature, life in the jungle, movement of the birds and other daily activities.
Ramayana : Cambodia
An episode from the Reamker, the Cambodian version of the Ramayana, will be performed. The importance of Rama's story in Cambodian culture can be dated back to the 6th century AD. The earliest references are found in temple iconography and epigraphy. During the medieval centuries several versions of literary texts entitled Reamker were written. The bas-reliefs of Angkor Wat depict many episodes of the Ramayana. Besides Reamaker's instructional and religious importance, episodes from the Reamaker are performed within villages for magical purposes.
Ramayana : Bali
One of the most popular stories from the Ramayana is told in this traditional Balinese dance. Rama's wife, Sita, is abducted by the demon King Ravana and Rama sets off to rescue her. He is later aided by the monkey King Hanuman who manages to find Sita and show proof of Rama's imminent arrival. Along the way, battles ensue. The dramatic finale sees Rama confronting and overpowering Ravana to eventually reunite with Sita.
9 OCT 08 (THU) - 19 OCT 08 (SUN)