WHO ARE WE? Providing instruction to the children and youth of Pengosekan has been the primary goal of Sanggar Cudamani for twenty-two years.  Rooted in the conviction that gamelan and dance are a powerful means of developing spiritual discipline, Directors Dewa Putu Berata and Emiko Susilo also understand the critical social role the arts can play for youth in a rapidly modernizing world.  For the past fourteen years Çudamani Summer Institute has extended their educational reach by bringing hundreds of international students to their village Sanggar.

Over the years Dewa Putu Berata and Emiko Susilo have refined their approach to teaching a diverse student body.  Key to the success of the program is the team of Cudamani master teachers and teaching assistants.  Their pedagogy is unique in Bali and supports the beginning student as well as those who have studied Balinese Gamelan and Dance for many years.  This diverse faculty keep the artistic level of every class at a very high level, provide individual instruction, encouragement, and models of excellence. Past CSI participants have included: University music and dance professors as well as students; professional artists eager to extend their creative and performative reach; educators who want to expand their classroom teaching, and young people who have fallen under the spell of Balinese performing arts.

For more than twenty-four years Çudamani has enhanced village life in Pengosekan by teaching hundreds of Balinese children, youth, and adults.   CSI is your opportunity to be a part of the Çudamani and Pengosekan community.  Villagers young and old look forward to seeing CSI students-in-residence because of their earnest desire to study Balinese arts and culture.  As you can imagine the tourist industry can be overwhelming.

2021 ACTIVITIES-the year after COVID.

After cancelling our 2020 program, an almost  12 month travel ban to Bali, we are optimistic that the summer of 2021 will find people back to a new normal and eager to get together over gamelan and dance.  With safety precautions such as vaccines and normal travel conditions, Cudamani is prepared to welcome student back to Bali for their 2021 program.

2021 ACTIVITIES- Highlighting the 2021 program will be participation in two temple ceremonies in our home village of Pengosekan.  Dewa and Emiko provide orientation to the Bali-Hindu ceremonial process and will prepare students to perform (alongside Cudamani musicians and dancers) as a personal offering for the ceremony.  Cudamani members plan CSI participation with village priests and local leaders for the July 7^th ceremony in the Pura Taman and July 13^th ceremony at Pura Pancir.  Your participation is respectful and appropriate and is a seamless addition to the ceremony.  Therefore, participants do not feel like tourist.  Other activities include  a full day/evening of performances at the Bali Arts Festival in Denpasar,  plus  a full-day guided tour to other temples in the area.

The core of the teaching program includes daily gamelan and dance study.  A hallmark of the Cudamani Summer Institute are the many assistant teachers who are able to offer each student personal support; as a result, even players/dancers new to Balinese performance are able to accomplish an enormous amount in the limited time of the program.  Our senior teachers carefully guide students to the level of complexity that allows each person  to get the individual attention they need to develop artistically.

Over the years we have taken special pleasure when colleges and Universities bring small groups of students already versed in Balinese performing arts to join the CSI. Special group rates can be arranged for groups of four or more.  The nature of the program easily incorporates musicians and dancers of all levels, including advanced students who wish to refine their skills at the more complicated instruments such as the drum and reyong or dancers wishing to learn more advanced repertoire.

The program is further enhanced by lecture demonstrations by members of Cudamani; invited lectures by guest speakers; and  field trips to cultural sites in our area.  The program concludes with a final performance with CSI students sharing a program with members of Cudamani. After fourteen years of experience Dewa and Emiko have created a balanced, dynamic and inspiring educational experience that has students returning year after year.

It is worth repeating that students are surrounded by a community of artists- ranging from master teachers of international renown, to the senior members, to the young teenage members of Cudamani.    Cudamani Summer Institute is a non-commercial  program as such students feel they are invited into the Cudamani family of artists as well as their village of Pengosekan. International and Indonesian students realize immediately that they are studying in Dewa and Emiko’s own home.  With children running around, women making offerings within sight, or the home cooked meals at lunch, you understand what life is like in a Balinese family. This intimate context provides rewarding cultural and personal insights that go beyond the technique of music and dance.

Adding to the reward of study is the proximity of the home village of Pengosekan to the vibrant tourist center of Ubud.  Artini Resort, who we have worked with for over some 15 years,  is in walking distance to Sanggar Cudamani.  You are in  the midst of a wide range options for shopping, evening meals, and tourist performances.  You will soon realize that Cudamani is near this tourist center but is not of the tourist scene.  However, for those looking forward to the relaxation, shopping, even massages, you will find all available to enjoy after class hours.  Please note that in recent years we have included an option for those who wish to find their own accommodations.  Plentiful and wide ranging in price, this is a great option for those on a budget.

GAMELAN PROGRAM– Daily sessions in Cudamani’s open air studio teach you the techniques of Balinese gamelan, expand your repertoire and improve your musicality. Under the Direction of Dewa Putu Berata, senior Cudamani players assist in each session.  This ensures individual attention as well as the robust sound Cudamani is famous for.  The range of pieces studied advances the musicianship and musical understanding of Balinese music.  Students study  on the gorgeous Semarandana instruments. Core to the concept of the program is  working along side master musicians and dancers to develop the Balinese sense ensemble and musicality. In addition, small-group sessions allow advanced musicians to refine skills, try new instruments, and learn repertoire, while beginning musicians have time to learn the fundamentals of gamelan in an environment that is challenging yet supportive and incredibly fun.

DANCE PROGRAM- If you have always wanted to try Balinese dance, but have told yourself, “I’m not a dancer” then send us an email. We have a great program for beginners, and we welcome you.  On the other hand, if you have some experience with Balinese dance, but need to deepen your understanding and repertoire, then this is an incredible learning environment for you as well. You will be working with the masters of the tradition, honing your dance skills, and expanding your repertoire.  The curriculum includes both male and female technique. Under the supervision of Emiko Saraswati Susilo, participants work with some of Bali’s most renown teachers- Ibu Ni Ketut Arini and Bapak I Nyoman Cerita.  In addition to dancing alongside Bali’s greatest teachers you will also be inspired by the company of Cudamani’s talented young performers. No matter where you are in your study of Balinese dance, the program will challenge and inspire you!

SELECTION CRITERIA – We invite individuals who wish to study and live in another culture. Participants must be 18 years or older.  With special permission we  can also include children 12 and above  who wish to learn alongside their parent.  Beginners as well as experienced gamelan musicians and dancers are encouraged to apply.  We have had great success with faculty who wish to deepen their understanding of Bali, bring back material for their research and teaching. In addition undergraduate and graduate students have found the program an ideal way to travel to Bali and have a concentrated first hand experience of the performing arts of Bali.  We can provide letters of acceptance for visa and/or grant applications.

• SCHEDULE- (subject to change)
• July 1    Check in Artini Resort.  5 pm gather at the pool for “meet and greet by the  pool party”.
• July 2     Opening prayers and offering and Emiko/Dewa’s residence (pondok).  Program orientation.  Walk through Pengosekan and visit Jero Delod (Cudamani Sanggar).  Lunch at Pondok.  First lessons after lunch.
• July 3     Full days of instruction begins.
• July 4     4th of July evening welcome party-  American celebration  bring music and instruments.
• July 7    ODALAN at Pura TAMAN
• July 9     Bali Arts Festival Denpasar-
• July 10   Day off
• July 11   Day tour to local temples
• July 13  ODALAN at Pura Pancir
• July 15   Pau Hana.  CSI final showing and party with Cudamani members and friends at the PONDOK
• July16   Morning Wrap up,  final circle, and closing prayers- check out Artini Resort airport run,

Application $25 fee Due:                                       May 10, 2021

Early tuition guaranteed room at Artini:          May 15,2021

Tuition Fee Deadline:                                              June 1, 2021

COVID Vaccine documentation/test                  Any time before departure

We will accept applications after these deadlines if space allows

• payment with credit card please add 3%
• check by mail made out to Foundation for World Arts and mail to: 12200 Lawler Street, Los Angeles, CA 90066

• OTHER NOTES:
• Home made Balinese lunches shared with faculty and TA each day of class- yum
• 4th of July party is open mic and/music for our Balinese teachers and their families- American food.
• WE do not want to exclude family members who may be traveling with you, therefore, lunches, field trips, tour of temples, rice fields, parties, and guest lectures can  arranged.  We request you cover costs to the program.  Details will be posted.
• We request you men bring a white button shirt (long or short sleeve) and women bring long sleeve dress blouse to wear to temple.  You can treat yourself and  purchase when you arrive.  Shopping in Bali is amazing!
• Admission to all events
• Local transportation for CSI events
• Pau Hana and Farewell dinner is always extra special and the last social time to be together.
• Full orientation letter will be sent three weeks prior to the start date.
• For Emiko’s own orientation please purchase on line: Good to Know About Bali

SPECIAL COVID REQUIREMENTS AND TRAVEL TO INDONESIA. CSI requires all students have valid and up to date vaccinations.  Certification will be requested.

Participants are responsible for checking on latest COVID requirements when  making own travel and visa arrangements to Indonesia.  Please also consider travel health insurance. A free 30 day  tourist visa is available upon arrival for many countries.  If you plan to stay longer- you can apply for a 60 day visa.  please see web site: https://indonesia.visahq.com/  Remember your Passport must be valid for six months after your departure date from Indonesia.

CSI is our major mean of funding  Çudamani’s children/youth and master artist programs. All proceeds go to support our education program.

Help us retain maximum benefit by sending funds directly by MAILING A CHECK payable to:

Foundation for World Arts
12200 Lawler Street
Los Angeles, Ca 90066

Paypal AND Credit Cards are  also accepted with an additional 3% surcharge.