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rtists performing at the International Conference and Festival on North Bali's Cultural Heritage mesmerized their audiences despite all being above the age of 60.

Held on Thursday night at the Banyualit hotel in Lovina, Buleleng, the cultural night featured performances by Luh Menek, 70, Made Kranca, 66, Dalang Sidia, 65, IGB Suarsana, 62, Desak Made Parponi, 70, and AA Bulan Tresna Djelantik.

The artists gave a series of breathtaking performances filled with raw energy and emotion.

Luh Menek opened the night with Palawakya, a unique form of art from North Bali that combines three different aesthetic skills. A Palawakya dancer must be able to dance, to play a terompong gamelan instrument and to recite ancient verses. Menek's energy and skills triggered a thunder of applause from the audience.

The stage was later graced by the presence of Kranca who performed Truna Jaya, the dance that best reflects North Bali's dynamic and powerful culture. His piercing eye movements and energetic hand gestures forced the audience to hold their breath.

Prof. Dr. I Made Bandem, one of the conference keynote speakers, said Truna Jaya was North Bali's equivalent to South Bali's elegant Legong dance.

North Bali's dance maestro Pan Wandres choreographed the first response in the form of the Kebyar Legong dance, followed by his prot*g* I Gede Manik, a legendary dancer, who created Kebyar Truna, a 35-minute long act.

"Truna Jaya is the abridged version of Kebyar Truna," Bandem said.

He added there had always been creative tension between South and North Bali.