Nanik Wenten

Nanik Wenten is one of Java’s most distinguished dancers, choreographers and dance teachers. She was born in Yogyakarta, Java, coming from a long line of great musicians and dancers.

She began her training in Javanese dance as a young girl at the Pakualaman court, and also at the Kepatihan, a prime minister’s residence in Yogyakarta. In addition to mastering the dance traditions of her native Java, she also took on learning the dances of the neighboring island of Bali. Nanik’s formal training was from the National Dance Academy in Yogyakarta. She also holds a master’s degree in dance from CalArts, where she currently teaches Javanese and Balinese dance in the School of Music.

Through her long term involvement and exposure to ballet, modern and contemporary dance in America, Nanik has choreographed a unique fusion of Indonesian dances and Western dance elements. She has collaborated with artists including Morton Subotnick (composer), Ed Emshwiller (video artist), Larry Reed (film maker and puppet master) and Marion Scott (choreographer), among others.

Nanik has given lecture demonstrations, workshops and performances in Asia, Europe, and North and South America.