WearepleasedtopresentthelatestupdatesfromtheInternationalinternationalsilatfederation.com/portfolio2013/PortfolioJuly2013_v... · archipelago, wayang and garuda; the smells and tastes

Website: InternationalSilatFederation.com Email: [email protected]

Website: ISFNewHaven.org Email: [email protected]

July 2013 Salamat Datang! We are pleased to present the latest updates from the International Silat Federation of America and Indonesia, led by Bapak Waleed, Leonardo J. Stoute. We endeavor to preserve and share the pusaka of Silat Tuo Minang of the Minangkabau culture, West Sumatra, Indonesia. Enclosed are selected highlights from our activities in America, from Fall 2010 to the present, including performances at Yale University Battell Chapel and the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History. More information is always available online at our websites below. Terima kasih!

2013 Portfolio Highlights: Contents Page Proclamation Honoring Bapak Waleed from the City of New Haven Indonesian Cultural Festival at the 18th Annual International Festival of Arts & Ideas Silat Tradisional at East Rock Park Bapak Waleed at Camar Putih, West Sumatra Meditations in Motion Workshops with Bapak Waleed Night of Sufi Meditation, Healing & Remembrance Food Drive for the Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen Tribute to Rumi: A Night of Sufi Whirling, Meditation, Music & Poetry Indonesian Dance Workshop for the Arts Co-‐‑op High School Around the World Summer Camp at the Peabody Museum Visits the Islands of Fire Traditional Indonesian Dance Workshop in New York City Open House at the Lotus Music & Dance Studio, NYC Invited Guest Performance in the Phoenix Dance Troupe Spring Show: Wingpsan Tribute to Rumi: A Night of Sufi Whirling, Meditation, Music & Poetry Traditional Silat Tuo Workshop in New Haven Traditional Indonesian Dance Workshop with the Phoenix Dance Troupe at Yale A Visit to the Indonesian Embassy Bapak Waleed Training at East Rock Park A Visit to the Yale University Art Gallery and the Old Javanese Gold Exhibit First Annual Family Day at the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History Community Outreach: Serving at New Haven’s Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen Silat Tuo Traditionale on campus at Yale University Tribute to Rumi: A Night of Sufi Whirling & Meditation at the Yale International Ctr

Camar Putih



Bapak Waleed receives Proclamation from the Mayor of New Haven, CT July 1, 2013 | News

After the success of the Indonesian Cultural Festival on June 21, as part of the International Festival of Arts & Ideas, Leonardo J. Stoute, “Bapak Waleed“, has received a Commendation and Proclamation from the Mayor of the City of New Haven, John DeStefano.

Praising Bapak Waleed for his contributions to both the New Haven community and the furthering of cultural ties and outreach to Southeast Asia, Mayor DeStefano writes that “Bapak Waleed brings his spirit of cultural revival and renewal and connection to ancient traditions and cultures wherever he travels; he shares the beauties and wisdom of all he has learned with students, teachers, families, and community leaders alike… [and]… continually encourages youth in this country and region to learn about and connect with their counterparts overseas, not only on personal and cultural levels, but always looking for opportunities for such connections to be mutually beneficial in supporting the needy wherever they are…” FULL TEXT:

Proclamation Of The City of New Haven

Honoring Leonardo J. Stoute (Bapak Waleed)

June 28, 2013 Whereas, Leonardo J. Stoute (Bapak Waleed) is a true “Spiritual

Warrior” living in modern times, out of seclusion, to share the wisdoms of reality with all of humanity. Bapak is more than a Martial Artist, he is a natural healer, dance choreographer and esoteric guide and lecturer of Sufi traditions; and

Whereas, Bapak has been honored and recognized by elders and teachers in the birthplace of Silat Tuo and Silat Minang, West Sumatra, Indonesia, for all of his efforts in preserving

and maintaining the traditional and ancient roots of this "Pusaka" gift of the Minangkabau people of West Sumatra; and



Whereas, Bapak brings his spirit of cultural revival and renewal and connection to ancient

traditions and cultures wherever he travels; he shares the beauties and wisdom of all he has learned with students, teachers, families, and community leaders alike here on the Yale University campus and in New Haven, where he teaches and performs and invites the participation of contribution to the 18th annual International Festival of Arts & Ideas, held on the New Haven Green; and

Whereas, Bapak continually encourages youth in this country and region to learn about and

connect with their counterparts overseas, not only on personal and cultural levels, but always looking for opportunities for such connections to be mutually beneficial in supporting the needy wherever they are; Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen.

Now, therefore, do I, as Mayor of the City of New Haven, in recognition of Leonardo J. Stoute (Bapak Waleed) for all of his dedication and contributions to the New Haven community, I here proclaim:

Honoring Leonardo J. Stoute (Bapak Waleed)

Dated at New Haven, Connecticut, this 28th day of June 2013 John DeStefano Jr. Mayor



Indonesian Cultural Festival at the 18th Annual International Festival of Arts & Ideas

June 22, 2013 | Events Archive, News

Bapak Waleed led the International Silat Federation of Indonesia and America in a collaborative performance with the Consulate General Of the Republic of Indonesia, New York, featuring vibrant cultural dances and music of Indonesia, and the ancient arts of Silat Tuo and Silat Minang. Several hundred people filled the New Haven Green to watch the beautiful, exciting performance on the Mainstage of the International Festival of Arts & Ideas.

We send our sincere gratitude to the Honorable Consul General, Mr. Ghafur Akbar Dharmaputra, his staff, the dancers, and everyone at the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in New York (KJRI) for their enthusiastic participation and continued support. With Congratulations to Mary Lou Aleskie, Executive Director, Cathy Edwards, Director of Programming, and especially Melissa Huber, Program Manager, for another wonderful International Festival of Arts & Ideas, due to all of their tireless efforts behind the scenes over the past year.



Videos of Bapak Waleed and his ensemble of silat students performing Kembangan and other traditional dance movements are available online at ISFNewHaven.org, with thanks and recognition to Pak Idris and the elders of Camar Putih, Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia. Videos include the Balinese and Sumatran dances and the remarks from the Consulate General.

Article:

The sounds of traditional Gamelan instruments, the gender (from Bali), and the saluang and talempong (from Sumatra); the sights of batik tapestries, Balinese decorations, traditional Indonesian dress from throughout the archipelago, wayang and garuda; the smells and tastes of wingko babat (from Java), lemper, and bolu kukus; the movements of Tari Piring and Silat Tuo Minang (from West Sumatra)…

Normally, you would have to travel around the world to Indonesia to experience all of these sights and sounds. But on this day, the experience was brought to the New Haven Green during the “Indonesian Cultural Festival” that was part of the 2013 International Festival of Arts & Ideas, with performances and cultural booths hosted by the International Silat Federation of Indonesia and America in close collaboration with the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in New York (KJRI). On Friday, June 21, the New Haven Green was transformed into a cultural feast for the eyes, ears, and even taste buds. Hundreds gathered for a unique cultural showcase and experience that delighted attendees of all ages, coming from all around Connecticut, even from Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and even from the Midwest.



The day began early, with staff and members of KJRI arriving in New Haven to setup their traveling cultural booth, which they display at cultural fairs and travel trade shows throughout the region. This time, however, the booth accompanied a full-scale live performance of traditional music, dance, and martial arts from Indonesia, representing the islands of both Bali and Sumatra. The crowds gathered at noontime, drawn by the sights and sounds from the other side of the globe.

Missy Huber, Director of Programming for the Festival, introduced the performances, beginning with solo performances from the island of Bali. Ida Ayu Candrawati, whose professional Balinese dance career began more than 30 years ago, presented the Trunajaya or Truna Gandrung dance from Bali, depicting a young man in love. Putu Krisna Saptanyana, in full traditional dress with a fearsome mask, presented the Jauk dance.



Switching gears to live music, with accompaniment by Sumatran Gamelan instruments, New York-based Saung Budaya shared the Naiak/Piring tradition from West Sumatra, Indonesia, in celebration of the harvest. The traditional drums, dol and gendang, along with traditional flutes, like saluang, sampelong, and bansi, and the traditional Minang gongs the talempong, led the dancers in their movements across the stage. The dancers performed intricate movements, stepping inside bowls placed on the floor, all while balancing large wicker baskets on their heads. The movements symbolize daily farming activities, such as tilling planting, weeding, and harvesting. It is also an expression of the farmers feeling of joy and gratitude due to the abundance of the harvest. The plates then became part of the dance, with the dancers demonstrating the Piring or plate dance, with stepping movements reminiscent in places of the movements of Silat Randai, the cultural theater tradition of the region.

Building on the momentum of the Piring dance, with its reminders of Silat Randai, Bapak Waleed then led members of the International Silat Federation on-stage, to showcase both the kembangan (flower dance) and ”play” with the movements of Silat Tuo and Silat Minang. At times the silat players improvised movements, each presenting their own feeling in the movements, and at other times the group moved in coordinated fashion, displaying several of the jurus or langkas of the traditional Indonesian art. In all movements, Bapak Waleed led his students with humble appreciation toward and recognition of his own masters and teachers of the most traditional and oldest forms of Silat, which set Silat Tuo and Silat Minang apart from modern sporting styles bearing similar names. Bapak



Waleed himself played with several of his students, showing glimpses of how the flowing dance movements can become interactive.

The Honorable Consul General Ghafur Akbar Dharmaputra from KJRI concluded the afternoon’s performance with some remarks on diverse aspects of Indonesia, from its geography (17,528 islands, the largest archipelago in the world) to its cultural traditions, and even to its relevance in today’s market economy, with many oil companies basing their operations in Indonesia. With respect and thanks, Bapak Waleed presented the Consul General with a plaque of appreciation for the Consul General’s tireless efforts to support and promote Indonesian culture to all.

After the performances, audience members joined the ISFI/A and the KJRI at their cultural booths, both to learn more about Indonesia culture and to



inquire about future performance and education opportunities. Many asked to have their pictures taken with Bapak Waleed and his students, who remained in their uniform dress for the afternoon. The KJRI booth distributed free Indonesian treats, and showcased additional music, with Pak Nyoman Saptanyana and Putu playing the gender. Participants took the opportunity to try on traditional Indonesian dress outfits from various corners of the archipelago, and to have their pictures taken in front of a backdrop map of Indonesia. The Consulate staff even setup a demonstration station to teach onlookers the basic steps of how to make batik, the traditional tapestry of Indonesia, made by dripping wax onto fabric and then dipping it into different dyes to create intricate patterns. The Image Galleries above are courtesy of: Jason Weaver of Dreamscape Studio, Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in New York, Yale Broadcast & Media Center, and members of the International Silat Federation of Indonesia & America. Please visit ISFNewHaven.org for additional pictures and video

Terima kasih!



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Silat Tradisional at East Rock Park June 2, 2013 | News

Saturday, June 1st, East Rock Park, New Haven, CT Fresh from an extended tour of teaching and training in Indonesia, Bapak Waleed returned to our neck of the woods this week and offered a class in traditional Silat of Silat Minang and Silat Tuo. During his recent trip to Indonesia, Bapak Waleed spent much time in West Sumatra, the birthplace and origin of traditional Silat. The extended region around the city of Padang, in West Sumatra, is home to many villages that have carried on the traditional arts of Silat Tuo and Silat Minang for centuries. For many years now, and again on this trip, Bapak Waleed has been invited to share, teach and perform Silat Tuo and Silat Minang at traditional Silat schools, cultural events, and sessions with the elders.

This past Saturday was sunny and hot, so Bapak Waleed brought his students out to East Rock Park to train. He led them in a warm up of the basic movements, with an emphasis on precision, balance, and breathing. Then Bapak Waleed showed the students how the movements connected with one another. He focused on flowing from one to the next and connection, as when one puts words together to form a sentence. Bapak gave each student special attention and corrected their movements one on one. At the conclusion of the workout, everyone was fulfilled and energized, feeling grateful for the opportunity to learn ancient movements in the traditional manner. They remarked at the wonderful movements that Bapak Waleed always brings with him when he returns from time spent with the elders in West Sumatra, Indonesia.

Bapak Waleed will be leading the International Silat Federation members in a performance of Silat Tuo and Silat Minang on stage at the upcoming Arts & Ideas Festival in New Haven later this month (additional information can be found elsewhere on our site). In preparation for the event, some of Bapak’s senior students traveled from New York and even as far away as Michigan to be present with him and participate in the training. Everyone is excited for



the upcoming event and honored to be taking part in an ancient and blessed tradition. As always, every session with Bapak Waleed, where the pusaka (treasured cultural heritage) of Silat Tuo and Silat Minang is shared, is opened and closed by offering respect to the generations of teachers and elders who have passed down this valuable experience.



Bapak Waleed at Camar Putih, West Sumatra May 26, 2013 | Events Archive

Bapak Waleed has been traveling and training throughout Indonesia, focusing his time on teaching and training in West Sumatra, Indonesia, the home of the Minangkabau people and the root of Silat Tuo Minang. Here are a

few pictures of Bapak Waleed and Pak Idris from Camar Putih preparing different age groups in their training exercises in West Sumatra.

Website: InternationalSilatFederation.com Email: [email protected] Website: InternationalSilatFederation.com Email: [email protected]


Meditations in Motion: Workshop at Yale February 23, 2013 | News

On Saturday, February 23rd, Bapak Waleed led a workshop on “Meditations in Motion”, a class rooted in the ancient traditional art of Silat Tuo Minangkabau from West Sumatra, Indonesia. The movements improve ones balance, endurance, breathing, sensitivity, and awareness. It does not matter one’s size, age, or gender; the movements promise strength and joint health to all who try.

Bapak Waleed led the students through a basic opening, then on to the line step, then concluded with movements on the ground. He further highlighted some of the practical aspects of the movements one on one.

All the participants stayed around after the class to express their gratitude to Bapak Waleed and share their experience of being rejuvenated and energized while still having had a good workout.

Please join our email list to learn about upcoming events. Terima Kasih! (thank you in Bahasa Indonesia! )

Please browse below for more images from the Workshop, enjoy!



A Night of Sufi Meditation, Healing & Remembrance

Come, come, whoever you are.

Wanderer, worshiper,

lover of leaving – it does not matter

Ours is not a caravan of despair

Come,

even if you have broken your vow a thousand times

Come,

yet again, come

Wednesday February 20, 2013, 7pm First Congregational Church of Guilford

122 Broad Street, Guilford, CT

For more info or to RSVP email [email protected]

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Sh. Bapak Waleed whirling

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Natural Healing natheal.com

Special Event: A Night of Sufi Meditation, Healing & Remembrance

Special Guest Sh. Bapak Waleed Wednesday, February 20, 2013 at 7pm Last night, hearts and souls came together for a beautiful evening of giving thanks, making remembrance, and healing at the First Congregational Church of Guilford, CT. Reverend Kendirck Norris and his congregation invited Shaykh Bapak Waleed to share with them the richness and grace of the mystical Naqshbandi Sufi Way. On Wednesday evenings during Lent, Reverend Norris and his parishioners gather together for a community meal and a discourse on topics in spirituality. This year they have put together a program to explore "mystical traditions from a variety of religious and spiritual backgrounds". They invited Sh. Bapak Waleed to speak and share at the opening session. The First Congregational Church is a renowned, historic church over 300 years old and located on the Green in Guilford, a quaint seaside community in Connecticut. Sh. Waleed and his guests were invited to join the church members in their community dinner which featured delicious Turkish food, an appropriate choice. During dinner many people gathered around to learn of Sh. Waleed's life's journey to seek spiritual masters all over the world and learn from them. They were delighted by his stories of staying in Konya, Turkey, the home of the great saint and poet Rumi, of navigating the cities and countryside of Indonesia where he travels extensively to learn and promote their traditional ways, and of establishing centers of wellness, spirituality, and healing here in the United States and abroad. After dinner, everyone proceeded to the chapel which was lit with candles and soft lighting while being transported by the sounds of ancient Sufi music. Reverend Norris gave a few introductory remarks and thanked Sh. Waleed for coming and sharing. Then, special guest Dr. Ali Shakibai, a well known and passionate speaker on spirituality, shared a few lines of wisdom from Rumi. He offered a recitation in the original language, Farsi, and gave additional explanation and insight into the beauty and light behind the words. The lights were then lowered and the zikr, or mystical chanting, of the Most Distinguished Naqshbandi Sufi Order was begun. On the stage,

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Sh. Waleed sat on the floor in deep meditation as the sounds of the chanting filled the church. At the prescribed intervals, Sh. Waleed rose and performed the whirling movements of these ancient customs. His hands and posture changed throughout the movements corresponding to different aspects of the remembrance and healing. Everyone's souls were touched and lifted; a feeling of peace was palpable in the hall. The chanting concluded and Sh. Waleed addressed all who were present, offering his gratitude, his wishes and prayers of healing, and asking for forgiveness for himself and everyone. The lights came up and Reverend Norris again expressed his gratitude to Sh. Waleed and Dr. Shakibai and invited everyone to share, express, and connect. Many people gathered around Sh. Waleed to express their gratitude, to learn more about mysticism and spirituality, and ask for their own healing. Beautiful connections were made, and many old faces were seen from previous whirling events as well. People remained for quite a while, sharing with one another and even perusing the books and CDs Sh. Waleed and Dr. Shakibai had brought. Everyone was so touched and grateful for all the blessings of the evening. They expressed desire to connect with Sh. Waleed again.

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Many commented on the universality of the heart-to-heart connections felt and cultivated through the evening --

"what a extraordinary, deep and moving experience last evening" "I am fully at peace with myself, and that's not how I was before.

I must enjoy this." "love and blessings to you and that man of such grace, Shaykh Waleed" "you can feel the real healing in the air, the kind that comes from inside" "Thanks... for another interesting and peaceful presentation and meditation."

Please enjoy the photos below and to learn more about similar upcoming events or to simply reach out and connect, email us at [email protected]. Also Read the review of the previous events in this series at natheal.com



Food Drive Thank You December 22, 2012 | Events Archive

On Thursday December 20, we collected the donations from the several food drive locations around campus and delivered them to the Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen (DESK). Thank you to everyone who participated, either through setting up the boxes, advertising the food drive, or donating canned and dry goods. Over the week-long food drive we collected several hundred cans and dry good boxes that will help to serve the needy in New

Haven. In addition to daily dinners, DESK also hosts a Food Pantry every Wednesday, where they distribute groceries and other necessities.

The Food Drive donation box inside the door of the International Center, 421 Temple Street, will remain before the beginning of the Spring Semester.

If you would like to volunteer to serve dinner at DESK with us on a monthly basis, let us know. DESK also accepts donations anytime at 311 Temple Street in downtown New Haven. For more information on their operations, visit their website.



Images of the stores at DESK:



Holiday Food Drive for DESK December 6, 2012 | News

In addition to serving dinner for hundreds every week, the Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen (DESK) provides bagged groceries and food for the needy in the New Haven community. Non-perishable canned goods and even toiletry items are always welcome contributions to help DESK help the community. Everyone is encouraged to contribute donations to any of several boxes located around town. Contributions will be collected on Tuesday, December 18. Boxes are located at:

- Office for Diversity & Equal Opportunity, HGS room 127, 320 York Street,

- Yale International Center, 421 Temple Street

- Yale Divinity School, Common Room, 409 Prospect Street

- Yale Medical School, Marigolds Dining, 367 Cedar Street

- Yale Law School, Dining Hall, 127 Wall Street

Suggested items include:

-Canned beans, meat, fish, fruits, vegetables -Pasta & sauces; peanut butter & jams

-Toiletry items, including mens’ shaving kits -Dry cereal, granola, dried fruits & nuts

If you have any questions about types of goods to donate, or if you would like to help in other ways, please contact us. Thank you for your contribution and support of the local community!



Meeting with Indonesian Consul General November 8, 2012 | Events Archive | Comments Off

This afternoon, despite driving snow and rain, following less than 10 days after hurricane Sandy, a wonderful meeting of the hearts took place in the center of Manhattan. The Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in New York, Ghafur Akbar Dharmaputra, invited Bapak Waleed of the International Silat Federation of America & Indonesia for a meeting. The two discussed important factors to help bridge the gap and bring people together in academic circles and for business opportunities.

Upon receiving the latest version of the ISFA/I event portfolio, HE Konjen Dharmaputra congratulated Bapak Waleed and thanked him for all of his efforts, saying how ‘it is an honor to have someone… a foreigner, representing Indonesian culture’. He further expressed his interest in promoting more cultural events to an even broader audience in the future. In recent months the Consulate General has hosted and sponsored performances and exhibitions of wayang kulit (shadow puppetry) Indonesian painting, and a performance at the Asia Society.



Bapak Waleed in turn shared stories of recent developments in Indonesia, including the pledge of the Mayor of Padang, Fauzi Bahar, to institute a curriculum of Silat Tuo Minang in the local school system. The curriculum is to be “from the old way, traditional — that was the greatest gift” to Bapak Waleed, to see the traditional culture strengthened and supported in its own homeland.

Toward the end of the meeting Bapak Waleed presented HE Konjen Dharmaputra with a lapel pin from Yale University as a small token of thanks and appreciation. The two parted with anticipation of meeting again after Bapak Waleed’s return from his next trip to Indonesia.

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Excerpt from Natural Healing: natheal.com

Special Event: A Night of Remembrance, Meditation, and Healing; Tribute to Rumi

In dedication to Mawlana Shaykh Nazim, Mawlana Shaykh Hisham, and GrandShaykh Abdullah Daghestani of the

Most Distinguished Naqshbandi Sufi Order

Special Guest Sh. Bapak Waleed November 8th, 2012 | Yale University | New Haven, CT This evening at the St Thomas More Center at Yale University, hearts gathered in remembrance and appreciation, to celebrate the life of the mystic poet Rumi, who lived 800 years ago in Central Asia. The evening began with selections of the PBS documentary "Rumi, Poet of the Heart," which provided background information on this widely celebrated mystic, poet, and saint. Dr. Ali Shakibai, himself from Iran, presented a selection of the 'Song of the Reed' in its original Persian, the introduction to Rumi's Mathnawi. Shaykh Bapak Waleed, special guest and world traveler, himself on his own search for truth and beauty, led the group in a special, healing gathering of 'zikr' or remembrance, in which everyone was invited to participate, even without necessarily knowing the words. The practice of zikr has been taking place for centuries, and this particular flavor is attributed to GrandShaykh Abdullah Dagestani (q) of the Naqshbandi Sufi Order, who himself lived to be 127 years old and passed without even falling ill. He recommended this as a weekly practice to everyone as a benefit for every aspect of their lives. At several intervals during the zikr, Shaykh Waleed stood, bowed, and began to whirl in the turning motion inspired by Rumi and his disciples.

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Afterward, the calm and peaceful atmosphere of the zikr chant lingered, and people remained quietly seated while Shaykh Waleed gave a short 'suhbah', or conversation, elaborating on some of the principles. He reminded all of the bounties that we enjoy, and the benefits of thankfulness. The recent storms nearby are enough to give each of us pause and to remind us that things can change in an instant. He further encouraged those present to reach out to those who are less fortunate. It was a healing and transformative event; even one of the attendees remarked that his difficulties with asthma from the past 10 days abated during the zikr. Most of the attendees stayed afterward, not only to enjoy the delicious baklava and cookies provided by the Turkish Kebob House and Manjares cafe in Westville, but mainly to approach Shaykh Waleed and thank him for his time. They also shared of their own experiences with seeking. Many were returning to a zikr circle after years of not finding what they were looking for, from all walks of life and backgrounds. Still more asked about the chant itself, in hopes of being able to hear it and recite on a more regular basis. People came from throughout the state, from as far as Hartford and Granby, and also from right here in the Greater New Haven region. Graduate and professional students participated, as well as faculty and staff, from fields as far flung as Medicine, Divinity, Engineering, History, Sociology, and Religious Studies. All left looking forward to the next opportunity for a 'gathering of the hearts...' With thanks and appreciation to our sponsors, the Institute of Sacred Music, Office for Diversity and Equal Opportunity, and the Yale MSA, and to the St. Thomas More Center at Yale for hosting the event. Gratitude to the Turkish Kebab House in West Haven, Kasbah Garden Cafe on Howe Street, Manjares Pastry Shop in Westville, and Starbucks for the delicious refreshments. For information on future events, please contact us at [email protected]. Thank you! Testimonials: "Thanks for the wonderful zikr today." "It was great and very informative! Thanks for organizing." "Thanks for that amazing presentation!" "We need more of this."

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A Night of Remembrance, Meditation & Healing: Tribute to Rumi

with Special Guest Sh. Bapak Waleed Thursday, November 8, 2012

St. Thomas More Center at Yale University, 268 Park Street, New Haven

Sponsors: Institute for Sacred Music, Office for Diversity & Equal Opportunity, MSA

S Shaykh Bapak Waleed

October 22, 2012 Dear Bapak Waleed, My name is Molly Gibbons and I am the student leader of the Yale Co-op Dance Collaborative (YCDC), which is an after-school dance program at the Cooperative Arts and Humanities High School in New Haven, CT. I have previously spoken with Sara Hashmi and would be delighted if you could share your Traditional Indonesian Dance expertise and teach for the YCDC program this coming Friday, October 26th from 2:30pm to 4:15pm. I will not be in attendance on Friday, but Kjerstin Pugh who is the director of the Co-op After School program will be. The school's address is 177 College Street, New Haven, CT 06510. There will be around twenty-five 9th-12th grade students with a wide range of previous dance experience. I look forward to hearing about the class, and I hope you have a great time teaching. I know the students will love it. Please feel free to contact me if you have any additional questions. Thank you so much. All the best, Molly Gibbons Yale University, Class of 2014



Yale/Co-op Dance Collaborative at the Cooperative Arts and Humanities High School

The 550 students enrolled in the Cooperative Arts and Humanities Interdistrict Magnet High School in New Haven come from all parts of the State to specialize their high school studies in Creative Writing, Dance, Theater, Visual Arts, Vocal Music, Orchestral Strings, or Jazz/Concert Band. The Co-op offers state-of-the-art facilities for music, dance, and the visual arts, and is one of only two full time creative and performing arts high schools in Connecticut. Educational partners at the Co-op include the Shubert Theater and Yale University. The YCDC (Yale/Co-op Dance Collaborative) currently runs the after school Dance program, empowering young artists and teaching a select group of Co-op students a new dance genre every Friday afternoon throughout the Fall Semester. This year’s dance class offerings will feature Traditional Indonesian Dance, led by Bapak Waleed and the International Silat Federation of America & Indonesia.



YCDC/Cooperative High School Invites Bapak Waleed

October 27, 2012 | Events Archive

This afternoon, the dance studio of the Cooperative Arts & Humanities High School in downtown New Haven transported a group of student dancers 10,000 miles around the world to the land of West Sumatra, Indonesia, home of one the oldest and largest living matrilineal societies in the world today: the Minangkabau people. The cause: the Yale Co-op Dance Collaborative (YCDC) had invited Bapak Waleed, Founder and Director of the International Silat Federation of America & Indonesia to lead the group of girls in the steps and hand movements of Traditional Indonesian Dance.

With the sounds of traditional Gamelan orchestra in the background, and drapings of batik tapestries along the barre, the group of 16 girls learned the basic steps and the importance of maintaining and controlling their balance as dancers. He led them by example and took the time to come to each



individually to correct their movements. Bapak Waleed described and demonstrated the precision required in the movements of Traditional Indonesian Dance, which is often performed at ceremonies including traditional Minang weddings. He shared footage of one such wedding, including the Tari Piring, or candle and plate dance, unique to West Sumatra, showcasing the wonders of the movement even on a plate of broken glass.

Several of the girls remarked at the challenges of moving with the consistent depth required by the dance, but at the same time inquired about further opportunities to practice. They all thanked Bapak Waleed for the experience, and left with a new-found appreciation for the far-away culture of the Minangkabau people.



More pictures continue below –



More pictures continue below –



Around the World at the Yale Peabody Museum August 26, 2012 The Peabody Museum’s Annual Summer Camp Series came to end last week, with the Around the World camp for children in grades 1-‐‑3. The group had an extra treat at the end of the week, when members of the International Silat Federation of New Haven transported the class around the world to Indonesia, the Islands of Fire, on an adventure to explore this diverse nation composed of nearly 18000 islands and more than 700 distinct cultural groups. The presenters caught the children’s imagination and curiosity with pictures and information about the wildlife, geography and peoples of the Republic of Indonesia. The children were eager to answer questions and contribute to the material. They learned everyday phrases in Bahasa Indonesia, including ‘salamat pagi’ (good morning) and terima kasih (thank you) and to count to seven (tujuh). Everyone participating in a guessing game, identifying famous exotic Indonesian animals from their names in Bahasa and a series of clues. The harimau, or Sumatran tiger, lives in the jungle, has dark red fur with stripes, and is a pouncing predator. The badak (Sumatran rhino), on the other hand can eat over 100 pounds of plants each day! Nearly everyone correctly identified the “person of the forest,” orangutan, and the komodo dragon, whose yellow tongue and foul breath lent credence to many myths about fire breathing dragons. The children really enjoyed the souvenirs generously provided by the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia of NYC, and they displayed them proudly.



One of the highlights of the presentation came when the topic of conversation turned to the Minangkabau people of West Sumatra, whose architectural stylings and even ceremonial headware bring to mind the horns of the water buffalo, “kabau.” The group made their way outside into the beautiful sunny day to try their hands (and feet!) at some movements from Silat, the movement system related to the dance, theater, and arts movements from West Sumatra. Despite the heat, the conditions did not come close to the daily heat in Indonesia, which children endure on a daily basis to practice the movements that form the heart of the Minangkabau ‘pusaka,’ or national cultural treasure. The presenters kept the children busy with a diverse set of movements, and by the end the kids had worked up a healthy appetite for lunch.

Not only did all the participants, children and camp counselors alike, leave the presentation with a new-‐‑found knowledge and appreciation of several aspects of Indonesian culture, but the children also took home pens, pencils, and workbook packets to provide educational materials for them to continue learning about the wonders of Indonesia.



Additional Pictures from the Peabody Around the World Summer Camp

Lotus Music & Dance

109 W 27th St, 8th floor

New York, NY 10001

212-‐627-‐1076

www.lotusmusicanddance.org

April 5th, 2012

Dear Bapak Waleed –

Lotus Music & Dance would like to formally extend an invitation to you to participate in our Spring Open House, to be held here in our studios on Sunday, April 29th, 2012, from 4-‐6pm. We would love it if you could present 10-‐20 minutes of material relating to Sumatran Dance and/or elements of Silat. The choice of material is up to you, but we recommend presenting something that a.) informs those unfamiliar with your discipline of its basic ideas and vocabulary b.) is exciting to watch c.) is somewhat representative of what students would be learning if they studied with you at a future workshop. We will offer a sound check/cuing run through in the afternoon before the event, to be arranged with the Program Manager before the week of the event.

These open houses are useful in letting our community know about your work and your art form. They are a great way to increase attendance at future workshops. Promotion for this event will be coupled with promotion for our annual Drums Along the Hudson festival (www.drumsalongthehudson.org), which is attended by over 5,000 people every year. We hope to have worked out details for a workshop you’ll be presenting soon so that we can promote that as well.

Looking very much forward to working with you,

Dave Ruder

Program Manager



Lotus Dance Studio Invites Bapak Waleed May 1, 2012 | Events Archive

Lotus Dance Institute | New York | April 29th, 2012

This afternoon, Bapak Waleed of the International Silat Federation, was invited to share and perform at the Lotus Music & Dance Studio’s Annual Open House. Lotus Music & Dance hosts world class instructors in cultural dance and music from around the world, and they were eager to host Bapak Waleed given his extensive knowledge and experience of the Traditional and Cultural Dance and movements of Silat Minang from West Sumatra, Indonesia.

The crowd was treated to a feast of the senses as the program opened with a short audio/visual display on the beauty, splendor, and diversity of Indonesia. The archipelago nation is comprised of over 17,800 islands, over 7,000 of which are inhabited, and is home to a plethora of diverse cultures each with a unique heritage. Then Bapak Waleed entered and raised the energy in the room by performing the whirling dance of the dervishes of Rumi. These ancient and sacred movements are an expression of receiving blessings from on high and sharing them with all who are present. Next, the Silat Tuo “call” was heard and



Bapak Waleed was joined onstage by his students as they now moved in flowing harmony of the Silat movements. At certain times they moved in unison, giving greetings and respect, for example, and at other times they moved independently, all the time maintaining connection to the traditions and sacred heritage Pusaka of the ancient arts of Silat Tuo and Silat Minang.

Afterword the audience was very pleased and grateful to Bapak Waleed for sharing the blessings and Pusaka of these ancient arts. Many approached him to express their gratitude and inquire where they might connect with him in the future. Comments where made that the Silat Arts are a “celebration of beauty” unique and special int their own way. Several people appreciated specifically the traditional movements which they recognized during Bapak’s performance.

The Open House provided an opportunity for three other groups to showcase their expertise in the traditional music and dance of India, traditional Japanese music, and belly dancing.

Lotus Music & Dance

109 W 27th St, 8th floor

New York, NY 10001

212-‐627-‐1076

www.lotusmusicanddance.org

May 3rd, 2012

Dear Bapak Waleed –

We’d like to formally extend an invitation to you to present your teachings in a two hour, one-‐time workshop, to be held 2-‐4pm on Saturday, May 5th 2012 at Lotus. We will be registering students & promoting this event for several weeks beforehand. All income from the event will be split evenly between the instructor and Lotus. Instructors are paid bi-‐weekly, checks are mailed out on Wednesdays.

We’ll provide our larger studio for your use, including a small audio system with CD & iPod capabilities.

Please contact me if you have any further questions.

Looking very much forward to working with you,

Dave Ruder

Program Manager



Bapak Waleed Offers Workshop on West Sumatran Dance May 5, 2012 | Events Archive | Comments Off

May 5th / Lotus Dance Studio / New York, NY

The Lotus Dance Studio of New York City invited Bapak Waleed to teach a class on the traditional foundational movements of West Sumatran Dance. Bapak Waleed shared with the students from the ancient cultural arts of Silat Tuo, Silat Minang, and Silat Harimau. The traditional arts are native to the Minangkabau people of West Sumatra, the oldest and largest matrilinial society in the world. The movements are ancient and sacred, tracing their origins back to the 5th century. These arts hold a lot of meaning for the people there and have been woven into all aspects of the fabric of their culture over time. Traditionally, those looking to train in the dances of that region must first understand its foundation in the Silat arts.

Bapak opened the session with a traditional breathing exercises and movements which bring peace and blessings to those present. He then took the students through various beginning movements, including some on the ground, emphasizing feeling and sensitivity, balance and precision, and moving hands and feet together. Bapak also took time to explain and demonstrate the practical side of the movements.

Afterword, everyone was very fulfilled and expressed their gratitude to Bapak for sharing the beauty of the arts. Some commented that the movements were earthy, grounding, and even meditative at times. Bapak agreed, reminding everyone that the essence of these arts can be boiled down to “being in the moment”. Everyone was eager to learn more and they expressed their interest in staying in contact for future events.



We are all grateful to the wonderful staff at the Lotus Dance Studio for their assistance and support. Please join our newsletter to keep abreast of similar occasions. Pictures from the event:

Registration Required: Pre-register at LotusMusicAndDance.org

Introduction to Traditional Indonesian Dance of West Sumatra

Led by

Bapak Waleed Director of the ISF

Saturday, May 5th 2012 2-4pm

ISFNewHaven.org

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109 West 27th Street, 8th Floor. New York, NY

Bapak Waleed Director International Silat Federation Dear Mr. Bapak Waleed, On behalf of the dancers of Phoenix Dance Troupe, I write to invite you to perform in the Phoenix Dance Troupe Spring Show on Sunday, April 22nd, 2011 at 7PM in Battell Chapel and Monday, April 23rd at 9:30PM in the Stiles Dining Hall. If you are available on one or both nights, we believe that your contribution would be an extremely valuable addition to our show. We are very grateful for your willingness to take time to share your expertise. Phoenix Dance Troupe is Yale’s only traditional Asian Dance Troupe on campus. We are non-audition and entirely student-run, with dances choreographed and led by members of the group. Our dancers come together from a variety of backgrounds to celebrate the rich and diverse dance traditions from different regions across Asia. Our annual Spring Show is Phoenix’s main showcase. Through the performance, the group hopes to spread both artistic and cultural awareness to audiences, keeping traditional arts alive on this campus. This year, our show will be entitled “Wingspan” to represent how much our group has grown over the years. At its founding, Phoenix was a Chinese folk dance troupe, and our dances were limited to traditional dances among the different ethnic groups of China. Over time, as the group grew, we began to expand across East Asian and into Southeast Asia. We are always continuing to develop and push ourselves to learn more as a group. This year, in collaboration with the International Silat Federation, we for the first time will add Minang-Indonesian dance to our repertoire.

We are extremely excited at the prospect of being introduced to this beautiful form of dance. We believe that your performance would be integral to our members who are participating in this dance and very fitting for the show as a whole. We will be happy to provide for one night’s hotel stay. We are very happy to welcome you.

Thank you again for your time and for your consideration of Phoenix Dance Troupe. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. We look forward to your visit!

Sincerely,

Siyue (Catherine) Chen President Phoenix Dance Troupe Yale Class of 2013 [email protected]



Phoenix Dance Spring Show: Wingspan, with Guest Performer Bapak Waleed April 23, 2012 | Events Archive

On Sunday, April 22 and Monday April 23, Yale’s undergraduate Phoenix Dance Troupe presented their annual Spring Show “Wingspan.” On Sunday, Phoenix invited Guest Performer Bapak Waleed, Director of the International Silat Federation of America & Indonesia to headline the event at Yale’s Battell Chapel. Bapak led performances of both Tari Piring, the Traditional Candle and Plate Dance of the Minangkabau, and the movements of Silat Tuo Minangkabau & Silat Tuo Harimau. The Minangkabau culture of West Sumatra, Indonesia, comprise the largest surviving matrilineal society in the world, and their traditional movements of Silek Tuo date back centuries.

Master of Ceremonies Spencer Katz introduced Bapak Waleed, who spends much of his time traveling throughout Indonesia and Southeast Asia, being called upon to teach, lecture and perform. During the first Indonesian dance performance of the evening, Bapak Waleed and his students showcased the Tari Piring, usually performed at weddings and other cultural ceremonies in West Sumatra. The dance consists of movements with candles and plates in hand, and often ends with performers continuing the dance on a bed of broken glass. One of the blessings of the Tari Piring: no one gets hurt.



Phoenix Dance Spring Show: Wingspan, with Guest Performer Bapak Waleed, continued…

In the demonstration of Silat Tuo Minangkabau & Silat Tuo Harimau, Bapak Waleed demonstrated the ‘silat play’ with one of his senior students, including some ground elements and ‘harimau’ movements of the tiger.

The evening featured traditional dances from various regions around Asia, including from Xinjiang and Tibet, and guest performances from the Japanese American Students Union and Wushu groups at Yale. The performance wrapped up with two beautiful dances, one as a farewell from the graduating seniors, and a finale showcase of the ribbon dance.

Special thanks were given to the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in New York as well as the Saung Budaya Indonesian Dance Group.



Phoenix Dance Spring Show: Wingspan, with Guest Performer Bapak Waleed, continued…

Photo Credits: Veysel Umman, Cornelia Zorca.

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Phoenix Dance Troupe Spring Show, April 22, 2012: Wingspan with Special Guest Performer Bapak Waleed

of the International Silat Federation of America & Indonesia

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Special Event A Night of Divine Remembrance:

A Tribute & Honors to Rumi & Mawlana Shaykh Nazim Adil Al-Haqqani and

Mawlana Shaykh Hisham Kabbani of the Most Distinguished Naqshbandi Sufi Order

photo credit: Veysel Umman

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April 19th, 2012 Yale University | New Haven, CT

A beautiful event was held at the Saint Thomas More Center at Yale University last night. Hundreds of people with all backgrounds and professions and came from all walks of life gathered together for an evening of Sufi Meditation, Remembrance, and Healing. Shaykh Bapak Waleed lead and hosted the event which was a tribute to the great Sufi poet and Scholar, Jalaluddin Rumi, and to two pillars of Sufi Wisdom, Secrets, Blessings, and Peace in our time, Mawlana Shaykh Hisham Kabbani, and Mawlana Shaykh Nazim Adil Al-Haqqani of the Most Distinguished Naqshbandi Sufi Order.

Sh. Bapak Waleed returned from an extended tour of Southeast Asia, and other points overseas, just to conduct this blessed event. He brought the warmest greetings and love from the Mureeds (students) of Southeast Asia for Mawlana Shaykh Hisham Kabbani and Mawlana Shaykh Nazim Adil Al-Haqqani.

This gala affair was a unique and special event featuring video documentary, poetry readings in both Farsi and English, authentic and traditional Turkish music with performances of the Ney (reed flute) and Bendir (hand drum), participation in Zikr "Chanting of the Mystics", Meditation and Remembrance of The All-Mighty and Creator, and of course, Whirling Sacred Spiritual Movements of the Sufis. Never before had such an evening taken place at Yale with such Harmony and Peace with so many attending such an event.

Dr. Shakibai reading the poetry of Rumi and speaking on his life.

After the whirling so many expressed their appreciation and being

embraced by the Love and Peace of such a blessed event. The light of stars appeared and the radiance of energy filled everyone with Happiness and Joy. Those present felt the Baraka (blessings) of being in a sacred space and connecting their hearts with one another. Some with their eyes closed and

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hearts open moved form the chairs to the floor to join the circle. Starting with the Zikr and ending with the Hadra everyone's hearts were lifted, and they were grateful for attending an event of which they had heard of before but never experienced. Shaykh Bapak Waleed shared of the Baraka of the All Mighty and from the connection and love to his Shaykhs, Mawlana Shaykh Hisham Kabbani and Mawlana Shaykh Nazim Adil Al-Haqqani, whose presence was ever felt throughout the whole night. And as it was time to draw the curtains on this beautiful affair no one wanted to leave. They stayed to continue soaking in the blessings, to express their thanks, and to take the opportunity to ask questions. Those who had entered with questions, now left being fulfilled and accepting the Light of Love. Those with illness or stress felt better by the end of the night, and they felt the benefit of the healing and the blessings. Some attendees spoke of how they had met Mawlana Shaykh Nazim in the past and that the feeling during this session was similar to what they felt at that time. Throughout the evening, the participants were showered in blessings and healing of remembrance through the recitation of sufi poetry, the performance of traditional sufi music, the mystic chanting, and the whirling.

Special Thanks to our sponsors: Office for Diversity and Equal Opportunity, Institute of Sacred Music, and Yale MSA; as well as to our donors: Turkish Kebab House of West Haven and Casablanca Boutique/Kasbah Garden Café; and participants: Shaykh Bapak Waleed, Dr. Ali Shakibai, Yusuf and Saban Karipek.

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Tribute to Rumi: A Night of Sufi Whirling, Meditation, Music, & Poetry

with Special Guest Sh. Bapak Waleed Thursday, April 19, 2012

St. Thomas More Center at Yale University, 268 Park Street, New Haven

Photography Credits: Veysel Umman Sponsors: Institute for Sacred Music, Office for Diversity & Equal Opportunity, MSA

Shaykh Bapak Waleed



Traditional Silat Tuo in New Haven December 4, 2011 | Events Archive

Students at Yale University invited Bapak Waleed, Leonardo Stoute, to campus today to share his expertise in the traditional, cultural art of Silat Tuo from West Sumatra, Indonesia. Those in attendance spent several hours with Bapak learning the movements of this ancient art and its applications in dance, self-defense, and healing. Bapak tailored his teaching style to those present and gave each specific instructions to match their levels and abilities. All were grateful to spend time training with him before he returns overseas to continue his own teaching and training in Indonesia and Southeast Asia.



Traditional Indonesian Dance Workshop with the Phoenix Dance Troupe a Yale University Student Group

October, 2011: Bapak Waleed has been invited to teach a Traditional Indonesian Dance workshop for the Phoenix Dance Troupe on Sunday, October 9, at Yale University. Phoenix is the premiere Asian Dance group on campus at Yale, dedicated to cultural dance from throughout Asia, both traditional and contemporary. The group is entirely student-run, and presents several performances each year. While space is limited, if you wish to attend the workshop, please contact us.

The largest archipelago in the world, Indonesia, contains several hundred indigenous cultures each with their own traditional arts and dances. This Workshop will focus on traditional movements from West Sumatra, where the Minangkabau community survives as one of the oldest and largest matrilineal societies in the world. Traditional dances in West Sumatra are performed at weddings and other important ceremonies, and the unique costumes and headdress often highlight the closeness of the Minang culture to nature. The dance is related to the traditional movement system Silat, as well as to traditional theater, Silat Randai, all of which are customarily accompanied by the Gamelan, traditional Indonesian orchestra. Bapak Waleed is the Founder of the International Silat Federation of America and Indonesia, a group dedicated to promoting and establishing the traditional cultural arts and dances of the Minangkabau community of West Sumatra, Indonesia. He is consistently called upon both in the United States and in Southeast Asia to lecture, teach, and perform the traditional movements of Silat Tuo Minang and the oldest cultural movements and dances. Students of all ages and backgrounds have benefited in learning from Bapak Waleed over the past several decades.

Phoenx Dance Troupe:

http://www.yale.edu/phoenix/

mailto:[email protected]



Event Recap: Traditional Indonesian Dance Workshop for the Phoenix Dance Troupe of Yale University

On a beautiful fall day, Sunday, October 9, the Morse-Stiles Dance Studio was transformed to transport participants in a workshop at Yale University around the world to the Islands of Fire, Indonesia, and in particular to West Sumatra. Traditional Gamelan music played in the background while participants were invited to dress in batik dance sarongs for the duration of the workshop. Led by Bapak Waleed, Founder of the International Silat Federation, members of the Phoenix Dance Troupe received an introduction to the stepping and hand movements of traditional Indonesian dance of the Minangkabau people of West Sumatra.

While the participants warmed up with stretches on the floor and watched several video clips of traditional dance set in Padang and Batusangkar, West Sumatra, Bapak described several unique aspects of the Minangkabau culture. The movements he showed them during the workshop come from some of the oldest and most long-standing cultural traditions of the Minang people. The smooth and flowing stepping movements and patterns allow for toning, strengthening, and aligning of the joints, especially in the ankles, knees, hips and lower back. The accompanying hand movements require development of ambidexterity, and contain positions also useful for self defense. Bapak treated the participants to a treat in observing the Silat ‘play’ between two people that utilizes the movements of the arts and dance, both while stepping and with hands alone.

The Troupe thanked Bapak for his time and presented him with a gift in appreciation. Afterward, they spoke with Bapak in more detail on several aspects of the movements and dance, and Bapak’s own experiences traveling throughout Indonesia and Southeast Asia. ISF New Haven would like to extend special thanks to the Consulate of the Republic of Indonesia in New York, who are always seeking out opportunities to share the beauty and diversity of Indonesian culture. KJRI lent several dance sarongs for the dancers to wear, and sent other cultural items for display and to be given as gifts to the workshop participants.



Bapak Waleed Director International Silat Federation Dear Mr. Bapak Waleed, On behalf of the dancers of Phoenix Dance Troupe, I write to invite you to hold a workshop on Indonesian dance on Sunday, October 9th, 2011 at 11AM. We believe that knowledge of Indonesian dance would be an extremely valuable addition to our repertoire, and we are very grateful for your willingness to take time to share your expertise. Phoenix Dance Troupe is Yale’s only traditional Asian Dance Troupe on campus. We are non-audition and entirely student-run, with dances choreographed and led by members of the group. Our dancers come together from a variety of backgrounds to celebrate the rich and diverse dance traditions from different regions across Asia. Over the years, Phoenix has performed at various events on campus and in the neighboring community. Through its performances, the group hopes to spread both artistic and cultural awareness to its members and audiences. At its founding, Phoenix was a Chinese folk dance troupe, and our dances were limited to traditional dances among the different ethnic groups of China. Over time, as the group grew, we began to expand across East Asian and into Southeast Asia. Today, our dances span widely across time and space, including Chinese handkerchief dances, modern ribbon dances, Dai dances, Mongolian bowl dances, Vietnamese dances, Tibetan dances, Xinjiang dances, and more. We are always continuing to develop and push ourselves to learn more as a group. Last year, for example, we debuted our first Japanese dance.

Indonesian dance is not an area in which Phoenix has ever worked before, and we are extremely excited at the prospect of being introduced to this beautiful form of dance. It is important to us to keep growing as a group, and we believe that this workshop will be instrumental in helping us achieve that goal.

Thank you again for your time and for thinking of us. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. We look forward to your visit!

Sincerely,

Siyue (Catherine) Chen President Phoenix Dance Troupe Yale Class of 2013 [email protected]



Bapak Waleed Training at East Rock Park

September 13, 2011

Shortly after the start of the fall semester, on a beautiful September weekend, Bapak Waleed and several members of the ISF and ISF of New Haven took class outdoors to the foot of East Rock. After a walk through the park to loosen up, Bapak began class with an emphasis on fluidity in movement. Stressing the importance of balance and depth in rooting one’s movements, Bapak demonstrated some sparring motions from Silat Tuo Harimau, one of the seven oldest systems of Silat, from West Sumatra, Indonesia. Participants practiced the mocements while Bapak worked one-on-one with each of them, correcting and guiding the positioning of hands and feet. Throughout the session Bapak lectured and demonstrated for the group, sharing the beauty and traditional pusako, heritage or heirloom, of the Minangkabau people of West Sumatra.

During the course of the afternoon, Bapak shared stories of his recent travels throughout Indonesia and Southeast Asia, sending the greetings and thanks of the Elders to all those endeavoring to share the beauty of the myriad traditions of Indonesia. He touched on topics including the history and culture of the region. Indonesia’s national motto “Unity in Diversity,” highlights the wide variety of peoples and lifestyles found throughout the world’s largest archipelago, comprised of more than 17, 508 islands.





A Visit to the Yale University Art Gallery and the Old Javanese

Gold Exhibit August, 2011

Upon visiting the Yale University Art Gallery in early August, Bapak Waleed sought out the newly established Indo-‐‑Pacific Art Collection. Currently on view is an exhibit of Old Javanese Gold, featuring items dating back many centuries, from jewelry to tapestries to figurines of spiritual significance to the Javanese people. As Bapak looked through the collection, he recounted stories from his own travels in Indonesia and throughout the region, explaining the significance of the items on display.

About the Exhibit

This spring, the Yale University Art Gallery is showcasing a unique and rare collection of ancient gold pieces from the island of Java. The pieces of jewelry, tapestries, funerary and other items, showcase the historical connections between Indonesia and East Asia, to countries like China and Japan. The YUAG is free and open to the public, and the collection will be showcased until August 14, 2011. In collaboration with the Exhibit, the Gallery will host a symposium on Gold in Southeast Asia will be held on May 14.

The exhibit is made possible in part through the efforts of Thomas Jaffe,

James H. Slater, and a generous donation of artifacts from Hunter and Valerie Thompson. It is curated by Ruth Barnes, the inaugural Thomas Jaffe Curator of the Department of Indo-‐‑Pacific Art. Among the first announcements was made by the Yale Daily News, in a blog post from October 2008. For more information on the exhibit and the upcoming conference, including links to more recent articles from the Yale Daily News, click the links below:

Link to the YUAG: About the Collection Symposium: Gold in Southeast Asia YDN: Javanese bling, a lot more than that

http://artgallery.yale.edu/

http://artgallery.yale.edu/pages/info/images/gold_sched.pdf

http://opac.yale.edu/news/article.aspx?id=6508

http://opac.yale.edu/news/article.aspx?id=6508

http://artslibrary.wordpress.com/category/uncategorized/page/2/

http://artslibrary.wordpress.com/category/uncategorized/page/2/

http://artgallery.yale.edu/pages/collection/permanent/pc_indopacific_over.php

http://artgallery.yale.edu/pages/info/javanesegold.php

http://www.yaledailynews.com/news/2011/apr/01/javanese-bling-lot-more/



First Annual Peabody Family Day April 21, 2011 | Events Archive Tuesday, April 19 was cloudy, rainy and a bit cold, but the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History offered much more than shelter for families with school children on their April vacation. Tuesday April 19 was the first ever Family Day at the Museum, which came alive with games and activities for children of all ages, including a mini-‐‑golf putting contest, a giant millipede maze, mask coloring stations and more. The event drew several hundred people with their children and grandchildren, from all over the region.

During the afternoon, several performing groups showcased music and dance from a variety of Asian cultures, including Chinese dance, traditional Chinese and Vietnamese music, and dances from the Dai ethnic group of China and the Minangkabau people of West Sumatra, Indonesia. Jen Nguyen and Wanting Zhang of the Chinese Music Ensemble played a selection of traditional Chinese and Vietnamese arrangements for the erhu (Chinese violin) and guzheng, a Chinese zither. Members of the Xi Wang Dance School performed next, showcasing the elegance and fluidity of the Chinese Peacock Dance, and a childrens performance from the Dai culture of China. To wrap-‐‑up the afternoon of performances, the ISF offered a demonstration of some traditional ‘Silat Tuo’ movements, including the Kembangen flower, and candle and plate dance.

ISF New Haven would like to thank David Heiser and Josue Irizarry of the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History, and Indonesian Consulate General of New York for providing promotional materials.

A young boy shows our stuffed tiger his triceratops mask.

Audience members gather around the guzheng for a lesson from the Chinese Music Ensemble.

http://isfnewhaven.org/events-archive/first-annual-peabody-family-day/

http://isfnewhaven.org/2011/04/21/

http://isfnewhaven.org/category/events-archive/

http://musicians.yale.edu/musicinschools/Chinese_Ensemble1

http://musicians.yale.edu/musicinschools/Chinese_Ensemble1

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erhu

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guzheng



Photo Gallery from the First Annual Family Day at the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History



Serving the Community at DESK in New Haven

July 2011

Over the years, ISF – New Haven has cultivated community service activities through their relationships with both the Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen and Columbus House, who are dedicated to serving the homeless and needy in New Haven. As part of a holistic cultural experience, students in the ISFA participate in and encourage others to contribute to community service activities on a regular basis. In Padang, half-‐‑way around the world, the people of the Minang culture embody the art of giving in their daily lives. On any given evening, people of all shapes and sizes line up at the Soup Kitchen, showing that need knows no boundaries. ISF – New Haven endeavors to serve dinner on a regular basis at DESK, especially during the summer time when additional volunteers are needed. On every occasion, ISF – New Haven volunteers leave the evening feeling refreshed and rejuvenated by the experience, looking forward to return again soon to serve at DESK.

http://yale.edu/silat/DESK2010.html

http://yale.edu/silat/DESK2010.html

http://www.downtowneveningsoupkitchen.com/



In May 2011, DESK presented ISF – New Haven with a letter of appreciation for their efforts over the years. This letter adds to the Volunteer Award granted in 2008 in showing DESK’s appreciation for the volunteer efforts of ISF – New Haven.

We would like to extend a sincere thank you to Diane Richter and Linda Carbone, the Executive Director and Operations Director at DESK, for their consistency in helping the neediest of our community here in New Haven.

For additional information about DESK, please visit their website at DowntownEveningSoupKitchen.com. If you are interested in participating at DESK with ISF – New Haven, email us.

http://www.downtowneveningsoupkitchen.com/

mailto:[email protected]

P.O. Box 1478, New Haven, CT 06506-1478 Phone/FAX 203-624-6426/624-2116

www.downtowneveningsoupkitchen.com

May 2011 International Silat Federation of New Haven The Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen (DESK) has had a wonderful partnership with the International Silat Federation of New Haven since 2006. Every week DESK receives rescued pastries for evening meals do to the diligence of members of the International Silat Federation of New Haven. The International Silat Federation of New Haven has also been extremely generous in conducting food drives for the DESK. In 2007, they initiated a food drive that gleaned over 100 pounds of food. In addition to rescuing food for DESK, they have also assisted in the serving at the evening meal numerous times. They are a welcoming group and are a wonderful addition to the dining room when they serve. In 2008, the International Silat Federation of New Haven received an Outstanding Volunteer Award for their outstanding service and continued support to DESK. Their partnership is a valued resource for DESK Sincerely,

Diana M. Richter Diana M. Richter, Ph.D. Executive Director

D. M. Richter, Ph.D. Executive Director Hans D. Andersson President Liz Cox Vice President

Martin J. Burns Treasure Tammy George Secretary Scot McLean Member-at-large Sandra Olsen, Ph.D. Todd Rofuth, Ph.D. Hal Scheffler, Ph.D. Ming Toy Taylor Alex Wellek, Ph.D. Dave Roberts Cook & Care Committee Timothy Bingham, Emeritus Susan H. Bingham, Emeritus

Julia A. Prest, Ph.D., Emeritus

Linda A. Carbone Director of Operations Meagan Lamberti Evening Coordinator Hans Andersson Webmaster



Silat Tuo Traditionale at Yale University October 10, 2010 Welcoming Bapak Waleed back to the United States and Yale University after his many months of travel overseas, ISFA students past and present gathered at the Harkness Ballroom at the Yale School of Medicine for a Silat Tuo Traditionale Workshop. Bapak led the students in the steps of Silat, as well as describing some applications of the movements. Bapak as always emphasized the importance of being consistent in practicing in order to maintain and improve your movements and to move forward in training. Everyone was happy to welcome Bapak back, and expressed their gratitude for his sharing of his time, experience, and know-‐‑how with all present.

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Yale Welcomes Shaykh Waleed for Evening of Sufi Meditation, Remembrance, and Healing

October 7th, 2010

The Yale International Center was the site of a unique event Thursday night. Shyakh Waleed "ʺLeonardo Stoute"ʺ was invited to host an evening of Sufi Meditation, Remembrance "ʺZikr"ʺ and Healing. Shayakh Waleed is returning to Yale after nearly nine months traveling abroad, reaching to such countries as Indonesia, England, Turkey, and Japan. By 7 pm a good crowd had gathered in the common room of the International Center, and some of Bapak Waleed'ʹs students past and present were there to welcome the guests and offer them refreshments. Soon the program began with the showing of "ʺRumi: Poet of the Heart"ʺ, a PBS documentary on the Sufi poet Rumi featuring commentary and performances from Robert Bly, Coleman Barks, Deepak Chopra and others. Bapak opened and closed with the expression of appreciation to our Most Distinguished Mawlana Shaykh Nazim Haqqani and Shaykh Hisham Kabbani of the Naqshbandi Sufi Order.



After the movie, the organizers of the event gave the audience a brief overview of the meditation and introduced Shaykh Waleed. Everyone gave him a warm welcome and he spoke briefly on the experience of zikr, some of its history, and its healing nature. Then everyone was invited to sit in a circle on the floor, and the zikr began with Shaykh Waleed leading and offering some explanations along the way. At the appropriate time in the zikr, the Shaykh rose and began to perform the traditional whirling movements. There are many stages to the whirling, each with their own meaning and significance. Shaykh Waleed concluded the whirling and the zikr finished soon thereafter. At the end, Shaykh Waleed thanked everyone for coming, restated the supplication for peace and blessings for all those who attended and even those who couldn'ʹt make it, and offered some explanation about the movements and their context. He concluded by again giving thanks to his teachers Mawlana Shaykh Nazim Haqqani and Shaykh Hisham Kabbani of the Most Distinguished Naqshbandi Sufi Order. The session then came to close and everyone was invited to enjoy the refreshments and mingle.

Everyone flocked to the Shaykh and expressed their gratitude for his coming and their interest in joining future sessions. There were smiles everywhere, and people were eager to learn the whirling movements for themselves.

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