Aura Nusantara

Aura Nusantara Indonesia is the name of a dance group of beautiful young women who put their time and effort in learning traditional Indonesian dancing. The four dancers Vallensia Krismon, Niken Waloejo, Gianni Alfredy and Laura Zellner have been learning and performing Indonesian dances from a young age, in dance schools in Indonesia and some pieces from their Balinese dance teacher in New Zealand.

They practice often when they have an event coming up to ensure they execute the moves perfectly, even though some of them started from a really young age (about 5 years). Their intricate, traditional costumes are made by members of their teacher’s family. The dancers express the storytelling and drama through their precise hand gestures, foot, and head movements, as well as facial expressions. Their professional performances testify that long hours of practice have gone into the dance. They love dancing and feel having the opportunity to showcase and celebrate their culture with people in New Zealand is very rewarding.

Vallensia says, “It is important for us as a community to share our culture with each other and embrace our diversity. In Indonesia Moon Festival is an event that is celebrated in some parts of ndonesia though I became aware of it more here in NZ. I believe some celebrated this with having mooncakes - I personally look forward to this! Celebrating all cultures and appreciating the diversity we all share is something meaningful to us and the core of our group.”

This beautiful dance group would love the opportunity to teach others to learn Indonesian dancing. They can be contacted at: auranusantara.auckland@gmail.com