Dhira Pradiva Art Studio: The Harmony of Dance and Gamelan from Village Stage to Bali Arts Festival
Bali has long been known as a land rich in cultural heritage. Traditional dance and gamelan are not merely performances, but living traditions that carry spiritual, social, and artistic values passed down through generations. Amid the rapid pace of modernization, Dhira Pradiva Art Studio, located in Banjar Sala, Dusun Peken, Aan Village, Banjarangkan District, Klungkung Regency, emerges as a place that preserves authenticity while guiding young generations toward a brighter cultural future.
The studio was founded in April 2017 by a young Balinese artist, I Putu Rai Dhira Aditya, S.Sn. His motivation stemmed from a simple yet powerful observation: many children in Banjar Sala showed strong artistic potential but lacked a proper space to practice and grow. “I wanted to create a space where children could express their talents and learn to love Balinese culture from an early age. That was the beginning of Dhira Pradiva Art Studio,” said Dhira Aditya.
What started as a small initiative for local children soon expanded. Today, students come from various parts of Bali to learn at Dhira Pradiva Art Studio. Beyond teaching traditional dance and gender wayang (Balinese ensemble music), the studio also introduces Balinese script and English language lessons, ensuring that while students stay rooted in tradition, they also remain open to the wider world.
Dance Practice (Photo Source: Personal Collection)
One of the keys to the studio’s growth is its consistent training schedule. Every weekend, on Fridays and Sundays, the students gather to practice dance and gamelan. These sessions are not only about mastering artistic skills but also about building discipline, teamwork, and mutual respect. Step by step, from this routine practice in the village, came opportunities to perform on prestigious stages.
The studio’s defining moment came only a few months after its founding. In 2017, Dhira Pradiva Art Studio was entrusted to represent Klungkung Regency at the 39th Bali Arts Festival (PKB), one of the island’s most important cultural events. Their performance, a Ngelawang piece titled Ngungsir Kala Tiga, captivated audiences with graceful choreography, powerful gamelan rhythms, and the youthful spirit of its performers.
Latihan Tabuh Gender (Sumber Foto : Koleksi Pribadi)
Such recognition did not come by chance. The studio’s growing reputation was fueled by the students’ passion, their quick mastery of techniques, and the unwavering support of the Aan Village community. Together, these elements placed Dhira Pradiva Art Studio at the forefront of emerging cultural groups in Bali.
The 2017 debut marked the beginning of a series of achievements. Six years later, in 2023, the studio once again showcased its talents at the Bali Arts Festival by competing in the Barong Ket competition, one of the most iconic and symbolically rich performances in Balinese culture.
Baorng Ket Competition Performance at PKB 2023 (Photo Source: Sanggar)
Looking beyond the island, in 2025, Dhira Pradiva Art Studio built a cultural partnership with the Solo International Performing Arts (SIPA) festival, connecting young Balinese artists with national-level performing arts communities. This collaboration underscored the studio’s ability to bridge local traditions with wider cultural networks.
Despite its growing popularity, the studio remains grounded in the essence of Balinese culture. The members are active in ngayah—voluntary service at temples—by performing sacred dances such as Rejang Dewa, Baris Gede, and Baris Tunggal during religious ceremonies. For them, art is not merely entertainment but an offering of devotion with deep spiritual meaning.
Ngayah Rejang Dewa Dance at Puseh Temple, Aan Village (Photo Source: Sanggar)
The studio, through the Dhira Pradiva Foundation, has also brought Balinese performances into modern contexts, such as international weddings and cultural showcases. One memorable event took place at Warung Secret in Aan Village, where gender wayang music was performed during a sacred wedding ceremony. It became a symbol of harmony between tradition and contemporary life, proving that Balinese art can adapt while keeping its soul intact.
Today, Dhira Pradiva Art Studio has grown beyond being a mere place to learn dance and gamelan. It is a community, a family, and a school of life where children learn courage, confidence, discipline, and love for their culture.
Through its holistic approach—blending traditional arts, language education, and environmental awareness—the studio prepares young Balinese generations who are deeply rooted in their heritage yet ready to engage with the global stage.
The journey of Dhira Pradiva Art Studio reflects the story of Balinese culture itself: rooted in the village, yet capable of shining on prestigious stages. From Banjar Sala to the Art Centre in Denpasar, from temple courtyards to international festivals, the studio proves that traditional art is not a relic of the past but a living heartbeat that continues to flow through the people of Bali.
