Founded as a contemporary dance company in 1979 by choreographer and movement
researcher Islene Pinder, BALAM Dance Theatre (BALAM), the company offers a new
vision of contemporary dance that emanates from diverse dances and historical
periods from around the world blended with the dazzling opulence and magical
aura of Balinese theatre. BALAM's fusion repertoire presents a dance theatre
that integrates contemporary choreography, eclectic music, striking masks,
imaginative props, vibrant costumes, and mythic stories to create a performance
that appeals to audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
of the demonic trickster,
Activities include customized choreographies, lectures, demonstrations, master
classes and workshops that educate the community at the grassroots level.
BALAM has been featured at numerous festivals and venues, including First Night
New York, Lincoln Center Out-of-Doors, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, and
Downtown Dance Festival and has also appeared throughout the United States
and internationally. Praise has been received from the New York Times and
Village Voice, the Governor and people of Bali and the Indonesian Consulate
of New York, as well as others.