Yana Gill
WHY DO YOU LIKE INDONESIAN DANCING?
I love Indonesian Dance because it allows me to connect with my heritage in a traditional way! I love the intricate movements and the fact that each dance has a unique meaning and conveys stories passed down from generations before. I love the social aspect of it too, as I get to meet others who enjoy Indonesian Dancing throughout Australia and Indonesia! I've been lucky enough to meet heaps of other passionate people since I've been involved in the Indonesian Cultural Community.
WHY ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT INDONESIA?
I am so passionate about Indonesia! One of the first things people usually know about me is that I love all things Indonesian! My mother (Mama Ning) is Indonesian and has kept Sanggar Lestari alive for the past 30 years since she moved to Melbourne. Similarly my Dad, who is of Irish/English and Australian decent loves Indonesia just as much and also spoke and sang to me in Indonesian to me growing up ! I grew up learning both languages and being immersed into the Indonesian cultural community. I have learnt Indonesian Dance, Singing and culture and been lucky enough to perform overseas and throughout Australia. I love learning to sing in traditional dialects and learning the meanings of each song. Bahasa Indonesia was my major at University and I work in a school that learns Indonesian as their LOTE. I have passed on my knowledge of Indonesian song and dance to my students. Saya cinta Indonesia!
MY FAVOURITE STYLE OF INDONESIAN DANCE
I love dances from Sulawesi! My Mother was born in Makassar and I have always felt intrigued by Sulawesi dances, watching them each time we visited Sanggar performances there. Mama taught me to sing in the local dialect and I was lucky enough to perform singing and dance twice at Makassar International Festival. I have visited areas including Palu, Toraja, Makassar and more to increase my knowledge. These dances tend to use props such as fans and 'bossara' (offerings) and have unique costumes and huge gold bracelets and head dresses. I love the unique music which accompanies the dances, often using Gendang drumming and traditional horns. I don't consider myself a very graceful person (If you've met me, you'll notice I am quite clumsy) , so I love the loud music and uniquely strong hand and leg movements of these dances.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A PART OF SANGGAR LESTARI
Since birth! As mentioned my Mum is the founder of Sanggar Lestari and this started before I was born. I have been immersed into the rehearsals and events since I was a baby! I performed my first dance 'Tari Lilin' at just 3 years old at my Kindergarden End of Year Concert. My earliest memories of my Mama are of her singing in traditional dialects around the house and teaching traditional Indonesian dance to groups of students. I have been involved in various community groups, including being the leader of 'Komunitas Angin Mammiri' from 2016-2017. I feel incredibly proud to continue to carry on my Mama's legacy and introduce people to Indonesia through dance, to ultimately strengthen the connection between Australia and Indonesia. Having both cultural backgrounds, I feel responsible to represent both as best I can!
Peace Lestari ! xxxx
Region - Maluku / Dance - Tari Tifa / Make Up - Susie Stevens