I Wayan Dibia: the relationship of music and dance in Balinese performing arts (interview)

I Wayan Dibia has studied Balinese music and dance since childhood, earning recognition as one of Bali's foremost dancers and choreographers. He specializes in topeng (masked dance) and kecak (monkey chant). Dibia received his B.A. from STSI (formerly ASTI) in Denpasar, and an M.A. in dance from UCLA. Formerly Assistant Director at STSI, he is now on leave to complete his Ph.D. in dance and theater at UCLA. Known for his powerful and focused performances, Dibia has a particular gift for animating masks in topeng. Beyond his abilities as a performer, he is also highly skilled in expressing the essential principles of Balinese arts and the cultural forces that shape an artist’s growth and perception.