51²è¹Ý

40 Years of Javanese Dance

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Performed by Garrett Kam in memory of Hardja Susilo

This informal presentation commemorates 40 years of Javanese dance by Garrett Kam in remembrance of his first dance teacher, 51²è¹ÝM professor Hardja Susilo, who recently passed away. Three different classical dances will be presented in the refined male, strong male, and female styles. Between the dances, Garrett will share some memories of Pak Susilo.

Garrett Kam was born in Hawaii and was an art major in textiles at 51²è¹ÝM when he began studying Javanese dance from Hardja Susilo in 1975. So captivated by the beauty of the music and movements, Garrett went on to study in Yogyakarta from 1979-1982. He returned to 51²è¹ÝM and received his MA in Asian Studies (Indonesian History, Asian Theater) in 1987, teaching and performing around the state and the US mainland. Garrett went to Bali on a Fulbright Grant in 1987 where he has been residing since then and serves as the only non-Balinese ritual assistant at one of the island's most important temples. He frequently travels throughout Asia to perform and teach Javanese dance. In 2013 Garrett became the first American male to regularly participate in dance activities at the palace in Yogyakarta since it was founded in 1756.

Ticket Information
Free and open to the public

Event Sponsor
Music Department, Mānoa Campus

More Information
(808) 956-8742, uhmmusic@hawaii.edu