Sanggar Seni Satriya Lelana: Preserving the Legacy of Drama Tari Gambuh in the Hands of Youth Through Pesta Kesenian Bali

Sanggar Seni Satriya Lelana is an art studio located in Batuan Village, Sukawati District, Gianyar Regency. Amidst a region known as the heartbeat of Balinese painting and classical dance, they have chosen a quiet path to remain faithful to their roots. This studio stands as a cultural fortress, ensuring the breath of Drama Tari Gambuh does not stop with the older generation.

Children practicing dance at Sanggar Seni Satriya Lelana (Photo Source: Personal Collection)

In general, the activities at this studio are very dynamic. Like most art studios in Bali, Sanggar Seni Satriya Lelana offers various training classes. Here, children are taught the basics of body movement through seni tari (dance), ranging from basic dance for beginners to creative and classical dance for advanced levels. Beyond movement, the studio also teaches seni tabuh (karawitan), ensuring its members possess high musical sensitivity. They actively guide members to participate in various dance competitions and routinely perform ngayah (voluntary devotional performances) at temples during traditional ceremonies.

(Practicing Drama Tari Gambuh - Photo Source: Personal Collection)

However, behind these various regular activities, Sanggar Seni Satriya Lelana possesses a distinct identity that sets it apart from most studios. Under the guidance of art figure I Wayan Budiarsa, this studio has chosen a quieter yet noble path of dedication: preserving the Drama Tari Gambuh gaya Batuan (Batuan style Gambuh Dance Drama).

Performance of Drama Tari Gambuh by Sanggar Seni Satriya Lelana (Photo Source: Editorial Collection)

Gambuh is no ordinary art form. It is the "mother" of all Balinese dances, the oldest dance-theater heritage possessing a high level of complexity in terms of movement, vocals, and performance structure. Realizing that this ancestral heritage is threatened with extinction without proper care, this studio has made the regeneration of Gambuh dancers its primary mission.

Group Photo of Gambuh Dancers from Sanggar Seni Satriya Lelana ( Photo Source: Editorial Collection)

Their commitment to nurturing this art form is evident through their consistent participation in the prestigious Pesta Kesenian Bali (PKB). One of their greatest proofs was recorded at the 39th PKB on 2017. On Monday, June 26, 2017, the Kalangan Angsoka stage at the Denpasar Art Center became a witness to a monumental performance titled "Pranaraga". The "Pranaraga" symbolizing the union of soul and body in the Panji love story was presented spectacularly. The studio involved more than 50 seniman (artists) across generations on one stage, ranging from children aged 9 to elders aged 70. The heaviest challenge was borne by the younger generation, who were required to be fluent in Bahasa Kawi (Kawi Language) when portraying noble characters, and switch to Bahasa Bali (Balinese Language) when acting as Punakawan. Their success in conquering this complexity proves that the transfer of knowledge in Batuan is proceeding very successfully.

Performance of Drama Tari Gambuh by Sanggar Seni Satriya Lelana (Photo Source: Editorial Collection)

The quality forged in Bali eventually took them higher. In October 2024, Sanggar Seni Satriya Lelana was chosen to represent Bali at the Festival Budaya Panji 2024 at the Gedung Kesenian Jakarta (GKJ). Restaging their masterpiece "Pranaraga", they successfully proved to the capital's public that classical art from Batuan village can perform mesmerizingly and remain relevant on the national stage. Now, Sanggar Seni Satriya Lelana continues to move forward. For them, magnificent stages in Denpasar or Jakarta are merely a bonus. Their main goal remains simple: to instill a sense of pride in the hearts of Batuan's young generation, that preserving ancestral heritage is a supreme achievement of priceless value.