Gamelan and Kecak dance performance enchants MIT audience in Boston

An Indonesian cultural performance captivated audiences at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Boston, showcasing traditional Balinese gamelan music and dance. The event, held at the Thomas Tull Concert Hall on Saturday, June 13, 2026, featured a collaboration between the Cambridge Youth Gamelan and Gamelan Sleeping Fox.

The joint ensemble, comprising about 30 American participants ranging from children to adults, presented a vibrant display of Balinese arts. The performance included seven distinct pieces, such as Bapang Selisir, Tari Gopala, Hujan Mas, and Topeng Keras, performed twice. The audience, numbering around 100 people, was treated to an energetic and cohesive presentation.

Key figures in the performance included the husband-and-wife duo Putu Tangkas Adi Hiranmayena and Dewa Ayu Eka Puiri, who also teach at Grinnell College in Iowa. They demonstrated their dedication to preserving Balinese culture, with Ayu even performing a song and dance while carrying her baby. Their collaboration with the gamelan groups created a mesmerizing experience.

The event concluded with a dynamic Kecak dance performance. The entire gamelan team contributed to producing high-quality music, and Putu Tangkas actively involved the audience, encouraging them to participate in the traditional dance movements. This interactive element created a unifying atmosphere, blending the performers and spectators in a shared cultural experience.