Saman Dance Stuns Paris Community

London (Antara) - Saman dance performance from Indonesia's Aceh Province stunned Paris community at the Indonesian Embassy cultural hall in Paris on Sunday night. Organizing committee chairman Fadil told Antara here on Monday that the public in Paris were mesmerized by the Saman dance performance during the "Smile Indonesia" cultural program at the embassy cultural hall. Fadil said the Smile Indonesia cultural program was divided into two sessions to introduce the audience with the wealth of art and culture of Indonesia. "We did our best to entertain the audience with variety of our art, culture and hospitality to make them love every moment of it," Fadil said. Meanwhile, the embassy's education and culture attache Syafsir Akhlus said Indonesian students abroad were Indonesia cultural ambassadors to promote their art and culture in the countries where they were studying. "The event is relevant to raise our homeland cultural treasures," Syafsir said, adding that the Saman dance was performed by eight Indonesian students to close the event. He noted that the Smile Indonesia cultural program which lasted from morning until late at night was enlivened not only by the Saman dance but also by other cultural performances. The event was opened with Pandet dance and then followed with Janger dance, Baris dance, Legong Keraton dance, Surabaya Sparkling dance, and Kecapi and Angklung musical performances. The embassy's Deputy Chief Representative Asharyadi said the event organized by Indonesian Students Association in France, was an important part of diplomatic mission. "Cultural interaction among the students of Indonesia and French community during their study in France is beneficial to introduce Indonesia to a larger community," he said. According to him, the event was attended by among others Indonesian community in France, students of other countries such as Russia, Rumania, Cameroon, and representatives of some campuses in France. (*)