Cakra Bhuwana Studio : A Creative Space that Strengthens the Tradition of Balinese Dance and Gamelan
Cakra Bhuwana Art Studio is a Balinese arts community established in 2003 that actively preserves traditional dance and gamelan music. With hundreds of members and various cultural awards, the studio conducts regular training sessions and an Annual Evaluation event. They also perform at numerous cultural ceremonies and have represented Badung Regency at the 2023 Bali Arts Festival (PKB). Overall, the studio serves as a nurturing space for young generations to develop a deep appreciation for Balinese traditional arts.
When speaking about the artistic life in Bali, there are places that are more than just training spaces, places where tradition lives alongside the spirit of a new generation. One of them is the Cakra Bhuwana Art Studio, an arts community established on October 12, 2003. The studio was born from a significant moment, the success of the colossal fragmentary performance “Arjuna Tapa.” This achievement sparked the determination to create a space for young artists, initially known as the Balinese Dance Foundation. Over time, the studio grew, strengthened its vision, and eventually transformed into the Cakra Bhuwana Art Studio under the leadership of Dr. I Made Sudarsana, S.Sn., M.Sn., who continues to serve as chairman to this day.
For more than two decades, Cakra Bhuwana has served as a home for hundreds of students, from kindergarten to senior high school. The spirit of preserving the arts is strongly reflected in their commitment to producing skilled traditional dancers and musicians. The number of members increases each year, reaching 350 active members by the end of 2024. The studio has also received several significant cultural awards, such as the Madya Patram Budaya from the Governor of Bali (2022), an award from the Regent of Badung (2023), and recognition from the Head of the Bali Provincial Cultural Office (2023). These awards serve as proof of the studio’s contribution to preserving Balinese arts and culture.
Annual Evaluation of Cakra Bhuwana Studio at the Wantilan Stage of Kedonganan Traditional Village (Source: Personal Collection)
The highlight of the year-long training process is the Annual Evaluation. This event is not merely a skills examination but also a celebration. Every participant brings enthusiasm and courage to showcase the results of months of hard work. From dance movements to gamelan rhythms, the entire event becomes a stage of appreciation for students, instructors, and parents. It is a proud moment awaited by the entire studio community.
Gamelan Practice at Cakra Bhuwana Studio (Source: Personal Collection)
Behind every good performance is a long and consistent training process. Cakra Bhuwana Studio holds intensive practice sessions every weekend. Saturdays and Sundays are filled with the sounds of kendang, gongs, and instructors’ guidance. Classes are divided based on skill levels, from beginner to advanced. The training focuses on dance techniques, makendang, magender, and Gong Kebyar. The atmosphere is disciplined yet warm, children follow instructions seriously but with genuine joy.
Dance Practice at Cakra Bhuwana Studio (Source: Personal Collection)
In addition to gamelan training, dance practices are equally dynamic. Rows of children stand in the studio, following each fundamental movement to the rhythm of the gamelan. From hand positions and eye direction to emotional expression, everything is trained meticulously. These sessions not only refine technique but also build character, discipline, and cultural identity.
Beyond regular training, Cakra Bhuwana actively participates in various cultural events. They perform at village ceremonies, traditional rituals, festivals, and even hotel stages. One of the studio’s greatest achievements is representing Badung Regency at the Bali Arts Festival (PKB). At PKB XLV in 2023, Cakra Bhuwana presented a work titled “Waskita Sandhi,” a Barong Landung performance highlighting the local wisdom of Kedonganan. Their presence at the festival brought pride not only to the studio but also to the village and supporting community.
Presentation of Certificates and Appreciation to Instructors and Art Contributors during the Annual Evaluation (Source: Personal Collection)
More than anything, Cakra Bhuwana Studio has a clear mission to nurture children’s love for Balinese traditional arts. The training sessions are not merely skill lessons but an effort to sustain the arts, ignite passion, and strengthen cultural identity. From gamelan sounds to dance steps, everything reflects a preservation effort passed down from one generation to the next.
In the end, Cakra Bhuwana Studio is not just a place to learn. It is a creative space, a family space, a space of tradition. Here, children find a stage to express themselves, instructors find a place to serve, and the community finds a reason to take pride in their cultural heritage. In every gamelan note and every dance movement lives a commitment to ensuring that Balinese traditions remain strong, beautiful, and meaningful.
