Ida Ayu Made Diastini

Ida Ayu Diastini is a noted performer and teacher, specializing in two primary roles in the repertoire of female dances: Oleg Tamulilingan (created in the 1950's) and the character of Sita, the heroine of the epic Ramayana.

She started dancing at the age of 4, taught by her mother and father (a dancer and musician) and presented her first performance that year. During her high school years she studied with the famed dancer and teacher Ni Ketut Arini Alit; later, during her studies at STSI (the National Institute of the Arts) she also participated in several international tours, including trips to Singapore, Sweden, Japan, India and America.

While in america she has led workshops for the Gamelan Group Sekar Jaya in California.

In India she danced in the International Ramayana Festival. Upon graduating in 1988, her artistic career took an unexpected turn, as she became a Indonesian film and TV star in three productions: Nusa Penida (1988), Kulkul (1989) and Sukreni Gadis Bali (1992), the last of which won her an national award.

She currently works for the Bali Provincial Government office of Culture. Dayu serves as an advisor for the Narwastu Art Community.