Moving through tradition : children's practice and performance of dance, music and song in south-central Bali

This thesis is an ethnography of children's practice and performance of dance, music and song in the village of Keramas, Gianyar, South-central Bali. Focusing upon power relationships between adults and children and between children themselves in the setting of a Balinese dance studio (sanggar tan), I examine how adults exercise power over children and teenagers in the context of traditional Balinese dance. Furthermore, I investigate the ways in which children incorporate contemporary influences into their songs, games and disco dance performances, thereby exercising agreater degree of power over their own activities. While dance is central to Bali-Hindu religious practice, it is also a medium used to communicate . important aspects of what it means to be Balinese to children. Looking at children's participation in dance activities, I explore how children relate to the world that surrounds them. By moving through tradition children not only perpetuate Balinese traditional dance, 'but also actively engage with global influences. The thesis is divided into six chapters which chronologically follow the journey of children's dance and music . ac. tivities, from lullabies .. through traditional dance to disco dance performances. Although children's songs and lore have received previous attention from scholars, research focusing upon music and dance activities of children still remains on the periphery of ethnomusicological enquiry. By examining children's songs and their learning, practice and performance of traditional and popular dance, I sh~w how dance, music and song are integral elements in the lives of young Balinese. This ethnographic account seeks to provide an insight into research pertaining to Bali as well as to form the foundation for future studies regarding children and the role of music and dance in their everyday lives.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo