I just had such a moving experience. The woman who runs the hotel where I have been staying in Sidemen, Subak Taba Villa, is an amazing humanitarian and a deeply spiritual woman. 13 years ago, Mama Ati began a foundation to support the children of Sidemen by offering a free afterschool program for children from 6 to 17 that operates from 4 to 6 every afternoon. The children study Balinese dance and music, learn how to make offerings, perform and also how to clean up. They collect plastic in the village for recycling and practice English. Mama Ati says the goal is to help them build good character.
I can hear them playing gamelan from the daybed in front of my hotel each afternoon, and every time I walk towards town, I pass a big open archway to the open area where the program meets, with a big sign inviting guests to come and visit. So today, I walked over and the children put me through their pieces. They taught me how to make an offering. I got to sit at the gamelon and learn some basic rhythms. And then the children dressed me in the proper attire, and a young girl taught me some basic Balinese dance steps while the boys played gamelan behind us.
Afterward, the children came up and adorned each guest with gifts. They had handmade them, and each had significance in their culture. I was moved to tears.
There are so many ways traditional Balinese lives and traditions are being undermined. It was such an honor and a privilege to spend a couple of hours with these radiant children.
Turn up your sound on the video above! This was the men’s dance lesson. I wasn’t the only visitor yesterday!
Mama Ati radiates joy from her very being.
Turn up your sound for this one.
Adorned with the children’s gifts.