Uttara Giri Dance: An Iconic Work of Manik Uttara Art Studio as a Form of Preserving North Bali’s Culture
The Uttara Giri Dance is a creation of the Manik Uttara Art Studio in Penarukan, Buleleng, which was established on July 20, 2015 with the aim of preserving North Bali’s arts and culture. This dance was first performed at the closing of the 2015 Buleleng Festival and has since become an icon of the event. The name “Uttara Giri” means “northern foothill,” reflecting the gratitude of the North Balinese people toward their natural surroundings, especially the mountains. The philosophy of this dance invites people to maintain harmony between humans and nature while also serving as a medium for regenerating young artists. Its choreography combines traditional Balinese movements with modern innovations and is accompanied by the distinctive Semarpegulingan and Gong Kebyar gamelan ensembles.
The Uttara Giri Dance is a creation of the Manik Uttara Art Studio, an art studio established on July 20, 2015 in Penarukan, Singaraja, Buleleng. This studio is led by I Kadek Sefyan Artawan, S.Pd., M.Si. The Manik Uttara Art Studio aims to preserve Balinese art and culture, particularly dance and percussion arts in Buleleng Regency. Its members consist of children, teenagers, and adults who actively practice dancing and playing traditional instruments. The studio is known as one of the centers of artistic innovation in North Bali.
Dancer of the Uttara Giri Dance (photo source: private collection)
The Uttara Giri Dance is a newly created dance born from the ideas of the Manik Uttara Art Studio. This dance was first performed on a large scale at the closing of the 2015 Buleleng Festival and has become one of the festival’s icons. The name “Uttara Giri” means “northern foothill,” reflecting a philosophy of gratitude toward the surrounding nature, especially the hills and environment that serve as a source of life for the people of North Bali.
The Manik Uttara Art Studio was founded on July 20, 2015, and its creation, the Uttara Giri Dance, was first performed at the closing of the 2015 Buleleng Festival. Since then, this dance has become the studio’s signature work, continuously showcased at various festivals, including the 2029 Buleleng Festival.
Dancer of the Uttara Giri Dance (photo source: private collection)
The creation of the Uttara Giri Dance was driven by the Manik Uttara Art Studio’s desire to both preserve and introduce the local wisdom of Buleleng. The philosophy of this dance is an invitation to express gratitude for the natural wealth of North Bali’s mountains and to maintain harmony between humans and nature. In addition, this dance also serves as a medium for the regeneration of young artists so that they continue to cherish Balinese traditional arts.
Dancer of the Uttara Giri Dance (photo source: private collection)
The Uttara Giri Dance is crafted through a collaborative approach between dancers, musicians, and artistic directors. Its choreography blends traditional Balinese movements with modern innovations that reflect the life of North Balinese communities. The accompanying music features the distinctive Semarpegulingan and Gong Kebyar gamelan ensembles of the Manik Uttara Art Studio. The performance is presented on a large scale, involving dozens of dancers as a symbol of togetherness and the strength of the artistic community.
