The students and faculty at Sudi Dance School in Java have a heartfelt message for Grand Circle Foundation and our generous supporters. Visit the school during Java & Bali: Indonesia’s Mystical Islands.
Sudi Dance School was founded in 1998 by Mrs. and Mr. Ketut Sudirawan, two professional Balinese dancers who share a great passion for the preservation of Balinese culture, arts, and traditions.
Together with two volunteer dance teachers, the school provides lessons in traditional Balinese dance and gamelan musical instrument for local and neighboring villages’ children between the ages of 6 and 15.
The school operation is entirely funded by the founders – with only very small donations required for the children’s attendance. Today, a total of 92 students attend the school in various classes/sessions throughout the week. The organization plays a very important role in preventing the disappearance of ancestral values, arts, and traditions through their tireless effort in encouraging the children’s participation.
In 2024, Grand Circle Foundation supported the Sudi Dance School with the purchase of new Balinese dance costumes for students.
This was a personal dream for the Sudirawans. They hoped for the village children to have traditional Balinese costumes to join local dance competitions in the region—or any other festival taking place in the village. It was an honor for the local villagers to see the students perform in new costumes.
Earlier this year, we continued our support with the construction of a new roof over the outdoor stage where the students practice and perform, after the old one was damaged by heavy rains. This project would not be possible without the support of our generous donors. See the school’s heartfelt thanks in the video above.
Visit Sudi Dance School and try out some Balinese moves when you join O.A.T. for Java & Bali: Indonesia’s Mystical Islands. To learn more about the Foundation or donate to any project we support, visit www.grandcirclefoundation.org.
