Dance in Asia dates back more than a thousand years. Originating in royal courts, temples and villages, traditional dances are performed as part of formal ceremonies, sacred rituals and communal celebrations, often expressing epic stories of love and war or myths and legends. Rasas brings you on a journey of discovery to learn more about the dance heritage of Asia. At the Esplanade Outdoor Theatre, we present a rare opportunity to watch spectacular dance dramas from Bali and Cambodia performed by large ensembles of adult and child dancers. In the dance traditions of these countries, children as young as five learn difficult exercises that shape their bodies to prepare them for intricate dance movements. Their basic training can last up to 12 years, and part of that time is dedicated to spiritual preparation. Also a first at Rasas are dance workshops for parents and children conducted by some of these artists. Over at the Esplanade Concourse, there will be dance-demonstrations where you will enjoy delightful performances of Asian dances as well as have fun trying out the steps and moves.
Dances from Thailand Explored
by dancers from Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University
Thailand
Date
8 - 10 Oct, Fri - SunTime
Fri - Sun: 7.15pm & 8.30pmSat only: 6.15pm
Duration: 30mins each
Venue
Concourse
Thai folk dance or Rabam is traditionally associated with agricultural, social and religious activities. The different regions of Thailand have their own folk dance styles, reflecting the way of life unique to each region. The performances will be followed by demonstrations of the graceful movements of these dances.
Dances from Bali - Godogan Dance Drama
by Sanggar Tari & Tabuh Pandawa
Indonesia
Date
8 - 10 Oct, Fri - SunTime
Fri - Sun: 8 & 9.15pmSat only: 6.45pm
Duration: 30mins each
Venue
Outdoor Theatre
The Godogan dance drama (also known as Frog Dance) draws from animal movement and behaviour. Well known in the village of Batuan, it has been popular since the 1960s. Performed by a cast of adults and children, this captivating tale is about a frog who yearns to marry the princess of Daha. The frog’s mother, initially embarrassed by this, gives in to him and visits the palace to convey her son’s love for the princess. There she is killed but the frog uses his magical powers to bring her back to life. Unhappy with his ugliness, he prays to the gods to change him into a handsome prince. His wish is granted and he marries the beautiful princess.
Sanggar Tari & Tabuh Pandawa began as Seka Gong Pandawa, a musical troupe which has performed in various festivals in Bali. In 2007, Seka Gong Pandawa represented Kabupaten Gianyar and was crowned the champion of Pekan Kesenian Bali. To establish a stronger sense of the arts among the younger generation, Seka Gong Pandawa formed the Balinese Dance Troupe in March 2010.
The Godogan dance drama will be performed in two parts each evening (three parts on Saturday).
Sanggar Tari & Tabuh Pandawa began as Seka Gong Pandawa, a musical troupe which has performed in various festivals in Bali. In 2007, Seka Gong Pandawa represented Kabupaten Gianyar and was crowned the champion of Pekan Kesenian Bali. To establish a stronger sense of the arts among the younger generation, Seka Gong Pandawa formed the Balinese Dance Troupe in March 2010.
The Godogan dance drama will be performed in two parts each evening (three parts on Saturday).
Dances from Bali Explored
by Sanggar Tari & Tabuh Pandawa
Indonesia
Date
11 & 12 Oct, Mon & TueTime
7.15 & 8.15pmDuration: 30mins each
Venue
ConcourseTari Pendet is a traditional ritual dance performed to purify the temple or theatre as a prelude to other ceremonies or dances. It is typically performed by young girls, who carry small Bokors or silver bowls of flower petals and offerings. Today it is often seen as a form of greeting or a welcome dance. Watch a performance of Tari Pendet, then join the dancers to learn its simple and gentle movements. Also presented is Tari Ngonang, an excerpt from Tari Godogan, a dance drama about a frog and a princess in Balinese mythology.
Dances from Cambodia Explored
by Apsara Arts Association
Date
13 & 14 Oct, Wed & ThuTime
7.15 & 8.15pmDuration: 30mins each
Venue
ConcourseDances featured are the ceremonial Robaim Thida Sour (Heavenly Girl Dance) and excerpts from the Reamker, the Khmer version of the Ramayana. Characteristic of Cambodian classical dance are standard hand gestures called Kbach. They are performed at a slow, hypnotic pace, co-ordinated with synchronised sculptural poses that are infused with serenity and equilibrium. Each gesture symbolises a different meaning and is connected to elements of nature like flowers, fruits and leaves. To achieve an ideal backward curve (contrary to the strict lines of Western ballet), dancers go through rigorous exercises which include the bending of hands, fingers, wrists, elbows, waists and toes. In addition to the performances, there will be demonstrations of these fascinating gestures and exercises.
Dances from Japan Explored
by The Japanese Cultural Society
Singapore
Date
15 - 17 Oct, Fri - SunTime
Fri - Sun: 7.15 & 8.30pmSat only: 6.15pm
Duration: 30mins each
Venue
Concourse
Japanese folk dance has evolved out of the daily lives of people in their local communities and is handed down from generation to generation. In the Friday set, you will get to experience Japanese folk culture and participate in the folk dances Dai Tokyo Ondo (Tokyo City Song), Tanko Bushi (Coalminer’s Song) and the famous Soran Bushi (Fishermen’s Song) from Hokkaido. On Saturday and Sunday, traditional dances like Maiougi (Fan Dance), Yashiki Musume (Housemaid Dance) and Takeda Bushi, a Japanese Samurai warrior dance, will be performed.
Dances from Cambodia - The Story of Machhanup
by Apsara Arts Association
Cambodia
Date
15 - 17 Oct, Fri - SunTime
Fri - Sun: 8 & 9.15pmSat only: 6.45pm
Duration: 30mins each
Venue
Outdoor Theatre
The Story of Machhanup is a tale from the Reamker and is unique to the Khmer version of the Ramayana. Performed in Cambodian classical dance by an ensemble of adult and child dancers, it tells the story of Machhanup who is half monkey and half fish. The tale begins with the soldiers of the monkey king, Hanuman, building a stone bridge across the waters to the island of giants. The golden mermaid princess of the sea, Sovann Maccha, orders her fishes and mythical sea creatures to remove the stones. Seeing this, Hanuman dives into the sea to stop them, and falls in love with her. She later bears his child, Machhanup, who grows up to be a powerful fighter, trained by a giant orge Morha Rom Ell. Not knowing who his father is, Machhanup battles Hanuman. But Sovann Maccha stops the fight and reveals the truth.
Since 1998, Apsara Arts Association has been dedicated to help restore and support traditional Cambodian arts and culture through the education and training of performing artists. The organisation also focuses on providing aid to orphans and poor children, and advocating children’s rights.
The Story of Machhanup dance will be performed in two parts each evening (three parts on Saturday).
Since 1998, Apsara Arts Association has been dedicated to help restore and support traditional Cambodian arts and culture through the education and training of performing artists. The organisation also focuses on providing aid to orphans and poor children, and advocating children’s rights.
The Story of Machhanup dance will be performed in two parts each evening (three parts on Saturday).
