Usha Uthup

Usha Uthup, the celebrated singer, enthralled the audience as she performed on the evening of the first day of discussion and debate.
As Ms. Usha broke into one song after another in 16 languages, it did not matter whether one understood the language. African-Americans were dancing to Hindi tunes while Indians and East Asians were moving to the African rhythms. There was a unity as the diversity of world culture was celebrated - everyone simply sang along, danced, urged people they didn't know to get on their feet, laughing all the while.

Traditional dances from Bali

Puspa Mekar Dance, the inaugural dance was performed by six girls wearing traditional costumes of the Tirta Sari Dance Gamelan Ensemble from Peliatan Ubud. It is inspired by the sacred Pendet Wali dances in the Balinese Hindu temples. Sitaramsi Mask Dance, performed by senior dancer Ayu Bulantrisna Djelantik, was a solo mask dance that expresses the emotions of Sita in the final stages of the Indian epic, Ramayana.

Joged Leko Dance, performed by the Leko Dance and Gamelan Ensemble from Sibang Gede, was an entertaining folk dance that is generally performed after harvest time in the villages.