HIGHLIGHTS: Cultural Fascination

Surapsari Megumi grew up in Japan and moved to the United States 25 years ago. While attending Lesley University, in Massachusetts, Megumi met Indra Sampranata, originally from Bali. While they were dating, Megumi visited Sampranata in Bali and saw a Balinese dance performance. She was mesmerized.

“It was so exotic and I had seen nothing like it,” says Megumi. Sampranata encouraged her to take a lesson while she was visiting. “I resisted because I didn’t think I could do it. I took the lesson, and I got hooked.”

Today Megumi and Sampranata have been married for 14 years, and both perform Balinese dancing.

IF YOU GO
Purnama Sari Balinese Dance Company will perform Saturday, Feb. 4, at Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail.

For more information on performances, lessons, workshops and lectures, visit www.PurnamaSariBali.com.