N

i Gusti Ayu Komang Kemeja was once a top dancer. Now at 74, she performed a perfectly executed traditional Balinese dance that had hundreds of spectators mesmerized Tuesday at the Bali Arts Festival.

Looking energetic, her wrinkled hands kept moving elegantly and her frail body swayed like an angel, despite her advanced years.

Performing the Margapati dance, one of the most elaborate of Balinese dances, Ayu Komang was one of nine veteran artists who received special awards from their commitment and dedication to preserving traditional Balinese arts. Her performance featured drummer I Komang Suyadnya, 74, who was also awarded.

Born in Bongan village, Tabanan regency, Ayu Komang has enjoyed an art that has seen her perform at the State Palace in the l970s and l980s. The mother of six, she said the highlight was performing for visiting guests and dignitaries.

"I traveled to several countries, performing traditional Balinese dances on various cultural missions," she recalled.

Another recipient on the night, Suyadnya, a highly skilled gamelan player, was born in Karangasem regency 74 years ago.

"I feel honored to receive this award. The government really cares about old artists like us," he said.

The Bali administration also presented awards to seven other veteran artists, including mask dancer I Gusti Ketut Berka, 77, from Jembrana regency; traditional Balinese musician I Gusti Putu Rakhadanu, 66, from Denpasar; master glass painter Ketut Sekar, 61, from Buleleng regency; dancer I Gusti Ngurah Gempur, 50, from Badung regency; dancer Ida Bagus Gde Pidada Kaut, 77, from Klungkung regency, writer I Gusti Ngurah Lawa, 79, from Gianyar regency; and actor I Nengah Sudiarsa from Bangli regency.

The nine artists also received Rp 6 million (US$600) in cash, traditional Balinese costumes, and health insurance packages.

Deputy Governor Anak Agung Ngurah Puspayoga said during the presentation that the nine veteran artists had dedicated their lives to preserving and developing traditional Balinese arts.

"We are very proud to have such great cultural talents. We hope younger generations of Balinese artists follow in their steps," he said, adding the awards were tokens of appreciation for all they had done for the Balinese art world.

Nyoman Murta, a Bondres (masked theater) artist from Buleleng, said he was proud to be able to perform on the same stage as the respected veteran artists.

"We must continue their efforts to develop traditional arts," he said.