Saraswati's Forum

BALAM is launching Saraswati’s Forum, an extensive archival project to transfer digitally and catalog  founding director Islene Piunder's exclusive archive of films, videos, slides, audio cassette interviews on Balinese Dance and culture.

This vital project will assure all future company members and guest artists will be inspired and informed by this exclusive body of information.  The community will continue to benefit from these sources which motivate many of BALAM's customized programs that target schools, libraries, churches and temples, and community centers.


To sample a1988 audio interview from Ms. Pinder's library, click Islene and also see the accompanying 90 second slideshow that offers two photographs taken in Bali of her signature dance roles, Jauk and Spirit Window.


In 1984, Islene Pinder commissioned several original masks for BALAM's repertoire from the award winning mask maker, Ida Bgus Anom.  These masks are still in use!

We need your help to secure these precious library resources for the future.  Use the secure PayPal link on BALAM’s blog to make an electronic donation.  (Click the Donate button found in the upper right-hand corner.)

Send your check payable to BALAM Dance Theatre in an envelope addressed to:

BALAM Dance Theatre
319 West 18th St., Apt. 4C
New York, NY 10011

Please join us now in continuing Ms. Pinder's legacy and BALAM's work in local communities around the globe.  Your donation in any amount will help us accomplish this essential archival project!