UCLA Center for Intercultural Performance - CAM Fellowship Program 2006, 2007

Baghawan Ciptoning, Indonesia.
Dancer and choreographer from Solo, Indonesia, Baghawan Ciptoning, has trained extensively with some of Solo’s finest artists, including revered figures from the Mangkunegaran and Kasunanan Palaces. He graduated from the Conservatory for Indonesian Arts and from the Indonesian Institute of the Arts (ISI, Yogyakarta) where he currently serves on the faculty. He also trained under the late master Ben Suharto (MA in Dance from UCLA) in the area of spirituality and dance. He has toured his work extensively and performed in Asia, Europe and USA. He draws inspiration and technique from ceremonial Javanese court dance and richly layers it with imagination and an intimate knowledge of martial arts. In 2005 He was awarded the “Best Dance on Screen” for his production and choreography of "Tamansari."

CheyChankethya

Chey Chankethya, Cambodia.
In a country that is still rebuilding itself after the destruction by the Khmer Rouge, when perhaps 80 percent of traditional artists perished in less than four years, Chey Chankethya has devoted her life to the recovery of Cambodian dance and culture. She began the study of Khmer classical dance at the National School of Arts when she was six years old and received a degree in choreography with high honors from the Royal University of Fine Arts (RUFA) in Phnom Penh in 2005. Choreographic works include “Preah Kanreach” (2005), a scene of “ka kay” (2004), “Preah Chinnavong” (2003) and a Ramayana excerpt (2003). Chankethya has performed in numerous international productions and joined the Cambodia Ballet Royal Troup tour to Europe and Asia. She also performed in the international production of “Realizing Rama” (2001–03).

UmeshShetty

Umesh Shetty, Malaysia.
Umesh Shetty is known throughout Malaysia as the Indian danseur extraordinaire. He started formal Indian classical dance training at six years of age under his father, the late Master Gopal Shetty. At the Temple of Fine Arts in Malaysia, Shetty received training in Bharata Natyam, Odissi, Kathak and various folk styles of India. A graduate from the Edith Cowan University, Western Australia, he received a degree in performing arts (dance) and has trained and performed with leading contemporary choreographers. As Director of the Temple of Fine Arts in Malaysia, Shetty has choreographed and performed in major dance productions and was awarded Best Solo Dancer for the production “La La Li Tang Pong” by the Cameronian Awards. In 2004, he received awards for Best Group Performance, Best Costume Design and Best Music and Sound Design for “Tandava I.”

All photos by Jorge Vismara.