Traditional dances from Java and Bali, a costume parade from Sumatra and Sulawesi, sketches from Bahasa community language schools, music from Angklung groups … these are just some of the exciting offerings that will feature at the Indonesian Arts and Culture Club (IACC) Performance Night on December 3 at Kogarah High School.
‘The IACC has been practising hard for this event and the children are very excited to be performing live again’ said Andi Dwipasatya, community worker and volunteer with Advance Diversity Services (ADS). ‘It seems amazing that the last time we held a night like this to showcase the talents of the IACC was in 2019, pre-COVID.
‘Dancing online during lockdown was extremely challenging for the kids who would rather be together – moving together, not sitting or dancing alone in front of a screen!’ said Ms Dwipasatya
‘As well as dancing in this year’s performance night, the IACC children will also be sharing the MC role, introducing the performers in English and also showing off their new ancestral language skills in Bahasa Indonesian.’
Credit: Advance Diversity Services
The IACC is an intergenerational club with children from age 4 and adults up to age 70. It began as an initiative of the ADS Indonesian Reference Group in 2018, and is coordinated by Andi Dwipasatya and Theresia Tomahu.
The children meet every Sunday at Kogarah High School Hall to rehearse traditional dances and many of them also attend Pelangi, the community language school, to learn Bahasa. There will be a ceremony to present certificates to the Pelangi students before the performance night.
Other highlights on the night will include:
- Performances by professional singers, including Ms Tomahu.
- Songs from an Indonesian women’s vocal group.
- Singing by three Bahasa community language schools – Pelangi (from Kogarah), Leumeah and Wollongong.
- Line-dancing fun for everyone to top off the evening.
Credit: Advance Diversity Services
Advance Diversity Services is a proud supporter of the IACC and has joined forces with The Kogarah Storehouse (which is donating raffle prizes), the Pelangi community language school and the IAFA (Indonesian Australia Friendship Association) to support the night. Delicious pre-packaged Indonesian meals will also be available for sale at the start of the evening.
Ms Dwipasatya said, ‘We’re so proud that the language schools and the IACC can showcase their diverse talents and their holistic approach to learning language and culture – applying it through the arts to make it fun from a young age.
‘With the IACC’s performances, and with contributions from so many other wonderful individuals and groups, it is going to be a great occasion. Please join us. Everyone is welcome!’
Indonesian Arts and Culture Club Performance Night
Saturday December 3, 2022 from 6pm – 9.30pm
Kogarah High School, Gladstone Street Gate 3
Get your tickets from Andi Dwipasatya 0433 421 355, or contact Magdaline at 9597 5455 E: magdalines@advancediversity.org.au
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The IACC was formed in 2018 with Doing it Differently (DID) grant funding from Bayside Council in partnership with SESLHD. The next year it received another small DID grant from Georges River Council to engage Indonesians and interested others in the GRC LGA.