Nasi goreng and hot dogs : living/writing/teaching/dancing between cultures

Abstract

The purpose of this project is to explore my life through dance and text. It is an autobiography of my life as a human being, an Indonesian woman, a Classical Javanese dancer and teacher, and a mother through the transition of becoming a person who has learned to view life in freer and more independent ways. This was facilitated by the combination of my dance, my move to Canada with my three children, and the opportunity to study as a graduate student in education. I have created a dance piece, Nasi Goreng & Hot Dogs, as part of the process ofre-educating myself. Although Javanese culture remains a very important part of me, I have discovered a new vision, an inner freedom and knowledge, which have added fullness to my life. This process has been a personal journey that has inspired my teaching.