“MENGENANG SANG GURU” A Tribute to Anak Agung Gde Mandera and Gusti Made Sengog (Honoring two great Balinese dance and gamelan teacher) So impressive … !! Some years ago, on August 26, 2007, the Regent of Gianyar Regency, Mr. Anak Agung Gde Agung Bharata officially opened the Photo Documentary Exhibition and Cultural Event, honoring two great Balinese dance and gamelan teachers, “Mengenang Sang Guru – A Tribute to Anak Agung Gde Mandera and Gusti Made Sengong.” It was held in Peliatan village, Ubud, Bali. On January 25, 2007, as a representative of a gamelan group from the younger generation, I was invited to join a meeting of Peliatan dancers. Pupils who had the great opportunity of being trained by Anak Agung Mandera and Gusti Biang Sengog in the past wished to show their sincere love, gratitude and thanks for the best time and experiences they had had during the process of learning and performing, by arranging a very special event as a tribute to both great teachers: "MENGENANG SANG GURU – A Tribute to Anak Agung Gde Mandera and Gusti Made Sengog" One characteristic of these maestros is the style known as "Peliatan style" which is still in existence and has become one of the main features of the Balinese dance repertoire, especially the Legong dance. Sometime before this event was planned, I was invited, as representative of the group or Sekaa of the younger generation, to attend a meeting by one of the Peliatan dancers . Arriving at Balerung stage, the venue for this meeting, I saw that those who attended were disciples of five generations, from the 1950s until the 1970s. As I listened to their conversation I was fascinated by their memories of how they were educated and nurtured, until they reached the stage when they could perform for international audiences. Their efforts showed extraordinary devotion! From these talks we got the idea to hold an event remembering "The Master Teachers" as well as the dancers and musicians who had been a boon to the village and even to the state. This would also be an expression of respect, affection, and gratitude to them in a series of classical Balinese dance and instrumental performances. Thus came about "MENGENANG SANG GURU - A Tribute to Anak Agung Gde Mandera and Gusti Made Sengog" +++++ Author : kadek ferry © f-studio Photo : Doc. Mengenang Sang Guru 2007 (Press Conference) Thanks to Rodney Merrill
