This summer, Asian Dance and Music Director Ranjanaa Devi and Program Assistant Justine Lemos worked their way through Asia. They savored Hawaii and the complex cultural tapestry of its traditions. They danced their way through Bali, a paradise where art lines the streets and fills people's homes. They immersed themselves in the unique cultures of Singapore, Bombay and Delhi, celebrating their traditions and artistic innovations alike.

Though this sounds more like a dream vacation than another day on the job, their travels had a noble cause: to study Asian performing arts in context so that audiences of Fine Arts Center Asian Dance and Music performances can taste the passion, the power, and the paradise of Asia.

"We try to present a true voice of Asia as it exists now," said Ranjanaa. Thus Ranjanaa and Justine spent a great deal of time dialoging with artists and presenters about not only time-honored traditions, but also changes in the art form. They were made aware of changes taking place in Asian dance and music today: modern movements are influencing traditional forms. For example, in India, the ancient stories performed in traditional theater are being rewritten to reflect modern-day political attitudes.

To continue the dialogue, they also attended performances by both highly esteemed and up-and-coming artists. "We want to let our audiences know that we have learned and educated ourselves about the performances, having been there and having connected with the artists." By meeting with artists and presenters and observing their works, Ranjanaa said the trip will also help the Asian Dance and Music Program develop unique collaborations so that it can continue working as a bridge between the East and West.

Ranjanaa and Justine brought back more than just fond memories and new programming ambitions from their excursions: their bags were filled with intricately-designed traditional masks, costumes and jewelry, purchased in Bali for use in the November 3 and 4 Festival of Lights in Bowker Auditorium. The integration of Balinese masks and costumes into the Festival's Indian dance performance reflects the cultural exchange that exists between India and Bali, and the broader theme of cultural connections and continuity throughout Asia and throughout history.

In order to continue to facilitate the dialogue between the Asian Dance and Music program and Asian artists and presenters, Asian Dance and Music is in the process of creating an internet newsletter. The newsletter will feature reviews and articles submitted by members of the Asian artistic community, allowing readers to keep up on current trends and new issues in dance and music. The web newsletter is expected to be up early next year on the Asian Dance and Music website.

Considering all the information, goals, and memories they gathered, Ranjanaa said one of the most rewarding aspects of the trip was hearing the praise and excitement presenters and artists throughout Asia had for the Asian Dance and Music program at the Fine Arts Center. "People were awed by the program we are presenting," said Ranjanaa. "They were overwhelmingly impressed because nowhere in Asia does a university have a program like ours. Here we are presenting and creating .... And they were saying, 'Your program is like an Asian jewel.'"