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News From Lane Community College Department of Dance
For Immediate Release
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Bonnie Simoa performs the Legong Kraton Playon in Bali |
Bonnie Simoa to perform rare traditional Balinese Dance at Lane Community College
Bonnie Simoa, recently back from her sabbatical in Bali, will dance the traditional Balinese Dance: Legong Kraton Playon in the Blue Door Theater at Lane Community College October 16 at 7:30 PM. Slideshow and post performance Q & A.
Tickets: $5 students, seniors and Lane Faculty Staff, $10 general admission. Seating in the Blue Door Theater is limited to 85.
This one-night-only performance is a unique opportunity to experience this beautiful traditional dance. In Bali dance serves to satisfy the gods, and bring health and prosperity to the community. No temple celebration would be complete without dance.
Bonnie studied with her guru Sang Ayu Ketut Muklen, a revered "Maestro" from the village of Pejeng, who is one of the last surviving Legong teachers of her generation. At 83, she teaches the "old style" Legong which is becoming increasingly rare. Due to its intricacy and complexity, this version of the Legong is rarely performed today even in Bali, let alone Eugene Oregon.
Sang Ayu has given Bonnie her blessing to perform and teach the dance in the United States. Simoa says, "I am happy to say I am no longer 'the tall white girl doing ethnic dance'. My teacher is proud of my accomplishments, and now more than ever, I understand the feelings and sentiments behind the dance. It is a thrill and a privilege to share my experience of Bali through the dance." Simoa also states that learning and performing this rare dance is a way to help preserve and share this traditional aspect of Balinese dance and culture.
Bonnie Simoa Biography
Bonnie Simoa was born and raised in California. She received her Master of Fine Arts in Choreography and Performance from Mills College. While in the Bay Area, she worked with respected dance figures Ellen Bromberg, June Watanabe, Joe Goode, Margaret Jenkins, Jeff Slayton and Martin Kravitz. In 1990-1996, she directed the Bonnie Simoa Dance Company, which performed nationally and in Germany and Indonesia. She has performed with Walter Kennedy, the Christopher Watson Dance Company, the Ellen Webb Dance Company, the Ellen Bromberg Dance Ensemble, and the Mills Repertory Company. Bonnie began traveling to Bali in 1996. Over the years she has studied the Legong, TerunaJaya, Rejang Dewa, and Gambu. Bonnie continues to create and perform contemporary dances, is a Certified Continuum Movement Teacher, and is the director of the Lane Dance Program.
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PIO: Joan Aschim 541-463-5591 email aschimj@lanecc.edu
Submitted By:
John Watson, Performing Arts and House Manager 541-463-5161 email watsonj@lanecc.edu
Marketing and House Manager
Department of Music, Dance and Theatre Arts
Lane Community College
4000 East.30th Avenue
Eugene, OR 97405-0640
541-463-5161
Online Box Office: 2011sitearchive.lanecc.edu/tickets
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