Jakarta, IO – Winning in competitions runs in the DNA of Kalya Mahiya Pravina. Another achievement marked by Kalya was becoming the 1st Prize Folk Dance Champion at the International Festival Online Competition, Argentine Gathering Diploma in Argentina, on December 5, 2023.
In a special conversation with the Independent Observer, Kalya expressed her happiness and gratitude for the achievement. Kalya performed the Jakarta Topeng Dance for the International Festival Online Competition, Argentine Gathering Diploma. “I practiced for a month before the competition,” said Kalya.
Despite mastering many various traditional dances, the Topeng Dance still posed a challenge for Kalya. “What is hard about this dance is having to dance while biting the mask from the inside. The mask also limits our visibility forward and sideways. But over time, with continuous practice, I was able to master it,” explained the teenager, born on October 1, 2009.
Dozens of countries sent representatives to take part in the International Festival Online Competition, Argentine Gathering Diploma, spanning Asia, Europe, and the United States.
Kalya was the only participant from Indonesia and managed to win first place after competing against and defeating the other contestants.
Apart from the Batavian Topeng Dance, Kalya also masters a dozen traditional Indonesian dances, including Yospan Dance from Papua, Enggang Dance from East Kalimantan, Kembang Kipas Dance, Lenggang Nyai Dance, Kite Satu Dance, Dewangga Dance from Betawi, Piring Dance from West Sumatra, Marpangir Dance from North Sumatra, Tifa Dance from East Nusa Tenggara, Giring Giring Dance from Central Kalimantan, Ratoh Jaroe Dance from Aceh and Lancang Kuning Dance from Riau.
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Kalya’s passion and love for various traditional Indonesian dances and her participation in international competitions have introduced the diversity of Indonesian dances to a global audience.
Keep achieving your dreams, Kalya! (des)