Saung Anklung

Yesterday afternoon we went to a cultural performance at Saung Anklung--a school for traditional arts of Indonesia. Anklung is a type of instrument made out of bamboo. The performance consisted on children playing anklung and doing traditional dances for us. They were so talented! They ranged in ages from 3 to around 15. The anklung music was so peaceful and beautiful. The little girls that danced were amazing! Although they were only 10, they were so composed and graceful. After the performance, we were able to try out the Anklung. The director taught us hand signals and we played a few songs. We were actually pretty good, you could recognize our songs (ABBA, The Beatles, etc.). At the very end the kids came into the crowd and picked people out to dance with them. A cute little five year old girl picked me out. The dances were a lot like the line and square dancing we did in 4th grade gym class. It was a lot of fun!