From Bali, the island of the gods, to Europe
When was the School of Arts Dwi Mekar founded in Bali and how did we continue our story in Belgium? Find out below!
OUR STORY
Dwi Mekar in Belgium is an offshoot of the School of Arts Dwi Mekar in Bali (Indonesia) that was founded by I Nyoman Durpa in 1991.
In 2020, the NPO was established in Belgium with the goal of introducing Balinese dance and culture to a wider audience. The founders have given their best in Bali for more than a decade to contribute to the school's expansion, teaching and performances.
They now wish to share that accumulated experience and knowledge by organizing cultural activities such as dance classes and performances on a variety of occasions.
For more information about Balinese dance classes, performances and workshops click here.
GET TO KNOW US
Dwi Mekar in Belgium was founded by Eka Santi Dewi and Maarten Scott. Meet them below!
Eka Santi Dewi - Dance teacher
Eka Santi Dewi was born in North Bali in 1980. She started dancing at the age of 5 and graduated from SMKI at 18 with a First Prize in Dance. She has been teaching at Dwi Mekar Arts Center since 1998 and had over 100 students under her care.
In 2003, she was voted the best dancer in Bali for performing the dance Legong Kebyar. She is a much sought-after dancer at religious ceremonies and celebrations. She also provided a private performance for the Prince of Denmark in 2005. She also has performed in Bali, Singapore, Portugal, Poland, Norway, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, France, Germany and Belgium.
"Balinese dance is my passion because it makes me feel happy and because it's a part of my culture." - Eka Santi Dewi
Maarten Scott - Contact person
Maarten Scott was born in 1976 in Wilrijk and studied Oriental Languages and Cultures at the University of Ghent. He settled in Bali in 1998 and, together with Nyoman Durpa, was behind the development of the Dwi Mekar in Singaraja. He also performed regularly in Bali as a mask dancer.
How the School of Arts was founded in Bali...
In 1985, I Nyoman Durpa and his friend gave lessons in a dance school established by the government. When they raised enough money in 1992, they opened a dance school of their own named Sanggar Tari Dwi Mekar (Sanggar Tari means as much as dance school) in Singaraja, which was expanded to Padepokan Seni Dwi Mekar in 2000.
In 2016, after the passing of I Nyoman Durpa, his life's work is continued by his talented son Gede Pande Satria Kusumayuda (Olit).
Feel free to contact us for more information.
Padepokan Seni means school of arts, dwi means two and mekar to blossom. So two people combining their strength to create a thing of beauty.
The primary goal of the School of Arts in Bali is to preserve traditional Balinese culture. However, this school is more than just a dance and music school, it is a place where youngsters are taught to be steadfast and responsible in life.
Experience Balinese dance culture with us!
Every Sunday we dance together in the center of Antwerp. Would you like a free trial lesson? Feel free to send us a message.
