Ballet Goes To...

In 2015, Juliet fulfilled a lifelong dream to connect to the marginalised in Indonesia through dance, realised through the Ballet Goes to Ciliwung workshop with the assistance of Ballet.Id Foundation and the Australian Embassy in Jakarta.

Working closely with the two organisations, she initiated a series of community workshops with the goal to effect a deep and sustainable connection and cultural exchange with these communities. This would initially be through teaching a classical ballet workshop with a focus on relatable aspects for a young Indonesian, along with performances, conversation and learning local dances.

Ballet Goes to Ciliwung in its first year also involved Juliet’s students from a Masterclass series for young Indonesian ballet students. She wanted to ensure they understood the context and potential purpose of their art, so rehearsed them in an excerpt from Giselle which they performed for the community members. In return, they performed traditional local dances. Another unique aspect of the initial program was a scholarship offer for two talented young children from the community, to fund their ballet training.

Ballet Goes to Ciliwung ran for two years, 2015 and 2016, before the devastating destruction in 2016 by the Jakarta government of the Ciliwung community’s homes and meeting centre where the workshops were run.

Ballet Goes to Ciliwung, Jakarta 2015

Ballet Goes to Ciliwung, Jakarta 2016

In 2018, Juliet continued the workshop series with Ballet Goes to Banten in collaboration with Tangsel Creative, and Ballet for the Kampung in collaboration with Ballet.Id.

Her hope is to continue to promote the accessibility of dance training to all Indonesians, regardless of socioeconomic background, and to continue strengthening the relationship between Indonesia and Australia through the universal art form of dance. 

Ballet Goes to Banten, 2018

Ballet Goes to the Kampung, Jakarta 2018. Photos Reynold Setiadi