ITHACA, N.Y. -- Cudamani, a 25-person, internationally acclaimed Balinese music and dance ensemble, will be performing in Barnes Hall on Tuesday, April 19, and Wednesday, April 20. On April 19 at 7:30 p.m., they will conduct a workshop on Balinese music, finishing with a short performance. On April 20 at 8 p.m., they will perform "Odalan," featuring traditional gamelan and the kecak dance of Bali. Both concerts are free and open to the public.

Cudamani has toured worldwide and performed at the 2003 Cultural Olympiad in Greece. The musicians and dancers come from the village of Pengosekan near Ubud in Bali. In a town known for its many artists, weavers and performers, they live, practice and perform in a family compound across the street from a traditional temple. The roots of the ensemble go back to the 1970s, when many local children would meet at the local pavilion to play traditional music and dance. After a period of finding themselves playing more for tourists than the local community, these performers, now adults, came together once again under Dewa Putu Berata, director of the group, Dewa Ketut Alit, the artistic director and others in l997 to devote themselves to their art. Currently their repertoire ranges from rare classical forms to highly creative instrumental works, and the group's choreography encompasses classic Legong dance, rare Kebyar pieces and newly created pieces. Cudamani also sees its mission as training young musicians and dancers; therefore, a number of young people are accompanying the older musicians on this tour and also will take part in the Ithaca performances.

In addition to the Barnes Hall events, the group will visit several Ithaca-area schools to introduce their music and dance to students.