Preserving Culture, Preserving Heritage: The Journey of Sanggar Surya Candra Puri Gede in Sustaining Balinese Dance

Amid the rapid currents of modernization, there are still a few who remain devoted to preserving cultural heritage so it does not fade with time. One of them is Sanggar Surya Candra Puri Gede, located at Jl. Patih Jelantik, Puri Gede Karangasem, Karangasem, an art community that has stood firm since 2008 in nurturing the tradition of Balinese dance.

Pedanda Istri Ayu Karang  (Source: Sanggar Collection)

Founded by Pedanda Istri Ayu Karang, affectionately known as Bu Dayu Ratih, the sanggar serves as both a learning space and a home for children and young generations eager to explore the art of dance. Since its establishment, the sanggar has focused on Balinese dance, holding regular practice sessions every Friday at 3:00 PM WITA and Sunday at 9:00 AM WITA.Currently, there are three trainers, one of whom is Ni Made Suradnyani, S.Sos., M.Si., well-known for guiding children with discipline, patience, and a deep love for culture.

Sanggar Surya Candra Puri Gede is not only active at the local level but has also made its mark in various major events. The sanggar frequently performs at City Anniversary celebrations, the Bali Arts Festival (PKB), official regency ceremonies, as well as shows in hotels and tourism events.

Baruna Murti Dance (Source: Sanggar Collection)

One of its greatest achievements was the PKB 2024 parade, which involved hundreds of dancers. In addition, the sanggar has participated in numerous cultural events such as the Karangasem Cultural Movement Carnival 2020 (Baruna Murti), the Karangasem World Music Festival 2019 with the creative performance of Tari Gebug, and even won first place in the Condong Dance Competition at the Pesona Tirta Gangga Festival 2019. The sanggar also took part in the Colossal Genjek performance at Taman Sukasada Ujung in 2018, and has often been trusted to perform at various official government events.

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Teaching Children (Source: Private Collection)

As a trainer, Ni Made Suradnyani, S.Sos., M.Si., shared that her journey in guiding children at the sanggar has been full of stories. “It has been an extraordinary experience with many challenges when teaching children,” she said.

She also added that the sanggar’s greatest achievement was its performance at the Bali Arts Festival (PKB) parade in 2024. “The performance at the PKB parade in 2024, which involved hundreds of people, became an unforgettable experience,” she stated.

Dance Preparation (Source: Sanggar Collection)

More than just a place to learn dance, Sanggar Surya Candra Puri Gede is a cultural stronghold, a place where the younger generation is nurtured so they will not be uprooted from their traditions. Through hard work, achievements, and innovation, the sanggar proves that preserving culture means preserving heritage, while also preparing a generation that truly loves the ancestral arts.