Dance, theater and all that jazz

A selection of quality performances by local and international artists from China, France, Italy and the U.S. was exactly what art lovers had been waiting for.

The 7th Gedung Kesenian Jakarta International Festival was kicked off by Namarina dance company on Aug. 20, the first taste of a rich exploration of the great array of traditional and modern performances available for two straight weeks.

This time around, jazz got more extensive space on the festival's schedule, with the appearance of three reputable local and foreign groups, although dance, theater and other forms of music were not left out in the cold. So, it's time to get out and enjoy the shows before the festival ends on Sept. 5.

-- JP/Stevie Emilia