© Stephanie Glaser
When traveling with kids, you hope they will appreciate culture as much as you do. You also, when they are young, hope they will remember what they have experienced. In 2010, the beautiful dances of Bali, in particular, Legong Dancing, definitely made an impression on my daughter Kasey.
We went to a show in Ubud that was spectacular. Then, little did we know, we would see more Legong dancing in several restaurants (geared for tourists). The striking music always caught our attention — especially Kasey’s. She would look around and wait for the princesses to come out.
For her, these beautiful princesses, who were unlike the Disney princesses that she loves, captivated her even more. The music that complements the dancing so well also stuck with her.
© Stephanie Glaser
The “Big Guy”
© Stephanie Glaser
© Stephanie Glaser
Kasey meeting some of the dancers at a restaurant in Jimbaran.
I ended up going on stage to learn some moves and I took Kasey with me. It was a thrill for both of us. The dancers asked us to help hold up a sign at the conclusion of the show.
© Stephanie Glaser
I bought a CD in Sanur and then played it when we returned to Adelaide, where we were living. Even Kurt and Eddie would practice the moves with us and try to re-create scenarios we had seen. Kasey put on her Bali sandals, T-shirt and a tiara from one of her princess costumes. Even two years later, she will listen to the CD and say, “Mom, remember the princesses and the “Big Guy”? Music, of course, is always such a good instigator of memories, too.
© Stephanie Glaser
Travel Oops 
What a great post! A part of culture absorbed and carried throughout the years, how nice to read something like that most specially from a child! How incredible!
My daughter is still into the Balinese music and dancing. Just the other day she put in the “Bali CD” and listened to the whole thing while she colored. It makes me smile. Thanks for your comment, Rommel. Steph 🙂
I absolutely love the picture of your daughter with the dancers who are reaching out to her! To me there are few greater gifts than the gift of culture and experiences that broaden the mind. How lucky she is to have a mommy like you!
Dana, thank you so much — I’m biased, but I love this photo, too. It was very special to see her get so into Balinese culture — her favorite meal was Nasi Goreng (the national dish of Indonesia). She still likes Southeast Asian food. Thank you so much for your kind words! 🙂 Steph
Nasi and mei goreng take me back to my Indonesian years! My language teacher even taught me a Balinese dance. I don’t get to demonstrate it very often in South Georiga, but just the memory is enough. 🙂
I can only imagine what it was like to live in Indonesia — I fell in love with the culture and the food — of course! Thanks for stopping by, Traci 🙂
awesome post dear…reminds me of this dance as I took pics from a normal camera and most of them were blurr so of no use…these pics are really nice
Thank you, Kavita! The dancers costumes and all the colors involved were stunning. In fact, I could make a motion picture book with all the photos I took. Thanks for the comment! Cheers, Steph
your most welcome dear…ur idea of motion picture book sounds brilliant 🙂
What a wonderful experience for your kids to have! I hope they remember it.
It was unforgettable for me, for sure. My kids still talk about the dance. Every so often, Kasey will get out the Legong CD I bought and play it on a boom box. It’s her favorite CD — even over Lady Gaga. Thanks for the comment 🙂
No prob.