Igor is a disciple of the renowned Balinese master I Made Djimat, who is the artistic director of the Tri Pusaka Sakti Arts Foundation in the village of Batuan. His passion for Balinese dance-dramas and masks ignited in 2011, when he began his studies. Fascinated by the art of movement and the intricate techniques of Balinese dance, Igor embarked on a rigorous and challenging training that has continued to this day.

 

His journey into the world of Balinese performing arts began with the Topeng, a mask dance-drama. It is a highly stylized and complex art form that requires years of training and dedication to master. In 2014, Igor returned to Bali to continue his studies. 

 

In 2016, Igor earned his master's degree in Performing Arts with a research project titled "Between Nisaka and Sekala - The Art of the Topeng Actor". In 2019, he made the life-changing decision to move to Bali to continue his training in traditional Balinese dance. Since then, he has immersed himself in the rich cultural heritage of the island and has learned various forms of dance, including the ancient Gambuh drama, the sacred mask dance-drama of Wayang Wong, and the vibrant Legong, Barong, Jauk Manis, Jauk Keras, Baris, Rejang, and Pendet dances, among others.

 

To further his education, Igor enrolled in the dance program at the Institut Seni Indonesia in Denpasar, where he spent two years studying Balinese dance and gamelan music. In addition to his academic pursuits, he also sought out private instruction from respected Balinese dance masters, including Ni Wayan Sekariani, Ni Ketut Maringsih, I Nyoman Terima, I Nyoman Triartamurti, and Ni Ketut Arini.

 

In 2023, Igor achieved a major milestone in his artistic career by earning a Doctorate in Performing Arts with his groundbreaking research project titled "From the Amazon to Bali: A Journey Through Myths, Traditions, and Intercultural Artistic Creation in Balinese Dance-Dramas". This research project explored the fascinating intersections between Amazonian and Balinese mythologies and resulted in the creation of five original Balinese solo dances (Patopengan Amazon) that seamlessly blended elements from both cultures. 

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In 2024, Igor embarks on a new postdoctoral research project that delves into the differences between various styles of Balinese Legong dance. With his extensive background in Balinese performing arts, Igor has already taught classes in this art form to students pursuing a bachelor's degree in theater at the University of Campinas, Brazil. He has also had the honor of performing at the Indonesian Embassy in Brasília during the celebration of Indonesia's 75th year of independence. 

 

Due to his exceptional talent and knowledge of Balinese dance, Igor has been invited to showcase his skills on numerous television programs, including Brownis and Pagi Pagi Ambyar on TransTv Indonesia. He has also been interviewed for news reports, given lectures, provided technical demonstrations, conducted workshops, and taught masterclasses. 

 

In addition to his performance experience, Igor has also written articles for various specialized dance and theater magazines, showcasing his expertise in the art of Balinese dance. He has even had the opportunity to perform alongside renowned Balinese dancers, including his own master, I Made Djimat, the master I Ketut Kodi, and the Indonesian artist Didi Ninik Thowok, and other influential figures in the dance community. 

 

Through his ongoing research and passion for Balinese dance, Igor continues to contribute to the preservation and evolution of this beautiful and intricate art form. His dedication to this cultural tradition is an inspiration to dancers and enthusiasts alike, and his contributions to the field will undoubtedly be felt for years to come.