As part of the celebration of the 79th anniversary of East Java province, two foreign nationals had the opportunity to take part in the colossal dance titled “Metamorphosis of East Java”, held at Gedung Negara Grahadi on Saturday, 12th of October.
Two foreigners who participated in the dance performance were Ari Dharminalan Rudenko (35) from the United States and Martina Feiertag (33) from Germany. Rudenko, who has lived in Indonesia since 2012 thanks to the Darmasiswa scholarship from the Indonesian Ministry of Education and Culture, said his initial interest in Indonesia stemmed from the country’s rich traditions.
“Every region in Indonesia has its uniqueness and character that can be seen through its art and music,” Rudenko told the press on Saturday.
Rudenko, now a graduate of the Doctoral Programme in Art Creation at the Indonesian Institute of the Arts, Surakarta, has previously travelled to various regions in East Java, such as Pacitan, Madura, and Banyuwangi. He expressed that his participation in “Metamorphosis of East Java” symbolised East Java as the gateway to the New Archipelago.
“Surabaya is very interesting. I feel comfortable here – it feels like home,” Rudenko added.
Meanwhile, Feiertag, who is also the wife of Trenggalek choreographer Dian Bokir, acknowledged her deep interest in Indonesian arts. In the colossal dance, Rudenko and Feiertag embodied the symbols of the transformation of Father Sky and Mother Earth, reflecting their pivotal roles in the development of Indonesia’s golden generation.
In their performance, the two also collaborated with local dancers from the State University of Surabaya and Dimar Dance Theatre.
“Indonesian dance is very beautiful and interesting. I am happy to be part of this show,” Feiertag shared enthusiastically.
The 79th anniversary of the East Java Provincial Government was further enlivened by a choir performance led by the Culture and Tourism Office and the East Java Provincial Education Office, in collaboration with soloist Okvalia Harlis Natasya. The event was attended by approximately 790 members of the public, including several influencers.