29 UNY academics present classical dances at Bali Arts Festival 2026

Twenty-nine academics from Yogyakarta State University's (UNY) Faculty of Language, Arts, and Culture (FBSB) have showcased traditional classical dances at the prestigious Bali Arts Festival (PKB) XLVII in 2026. The group presented three distinct repertoires, each carrying unique cultural and symbolic meanings, at the Ksirarnawa Building in Denpasar, Bali.

Kusnadi, the Head of the Dance Arts Education Department at FBSB UNY, explained that the chosen repertoires represent diverse aspects of Indonesian heritage. The first, 'Edan-edanan,' originates from the Jogja Palace's 'Abdi Dalem' (royal attendants) tradition and depicts a lively group of dancers meant to ward off misfortune. The second is the 'Bedoyo Langen Kusumo' dance, a sacred ceremonial dance from the palace, adapted to narrate an Islamic story. The third is a classical dance developed using the foundational movements of 'Beksan Menak.' Kusnadi emphasized that each dance adheres to its specific traditional rules and that every movement is imbued with meaning.

These intricate choreographies were meticulously prepared through intensive training over a full month, conducted alongside the students' academic examinations. The stage performances were divided into three sessions, featuring 10, seven, and 12 dancers respectively. Putri Latifah, a fourth-semester UNY student and one of the performers, expressed her pride in participating in such a significant cultural event, highlighting the exclusive opportunity it represents.

The Bali Arts Festival 2026, running from June 13 to July 11, aims not only to preserve Balinese arts but also to foster cultural exchange among participants from various Indonesian provinces and international delegations. UNY's participation underscores the festival's role as a platform for both local and national artistic expression and collaboration.