Welcome to Narwastu
The Narwastu Art Community began in 2005 as a group of Balinese and internationals who were interested in learning about Balinese music. Since then, Narwastu has expanded to include dance and visual art. At present Narwastu has weekly rehearsals for Gong Kebyar, Balinese dance and also contemporary dance improvised music. While professional musicians are members, many of our participants are short-stay (up to 1 year) foreign students learning about Balinese music and dance. While the focus in on Gong Kebyar, there is also an active group creating new music and arrangements that combines non-Balinese instruments with Semara Pagulingan.
We also welcome new projects for collaborative projects. We believe that music and dance brings people together and builds bridges of understanding between different cultures as we create art together.
A Word from Our Members
I came to Bali one years ago and joined Narwastu art community. I learned gamelan, contemporary dance, and singing there. Through these experiences I learned how to express myself, in my mind and in my emotions. I learned how to communicate with people with different nationalities and different personalities. I learned many important and valuable things. And of course, we performed at the Bali Arts Festival together. It was a long and focused process and very satisfying. Now I feel myself having changed to be more open and free with the others. Now I’m ready for the next stage of life!!! - Yuko Masunaga (Japan)