Marlupi Studio

In 1956, Marlupi Sijangga founded Marlupi Dance Academy (MDA) in Surabaya. With self-taught and disciplined ballet lessons, Marlupi has successfully educated her students to become reliable and accomplished ballerinas. In 1993, Fifi Sijangga (daughter of Marlupi Sijangga), successfully opened Marlupi’s branch in Jakarta, resulting her to be the second generation of MDA. Under the direction of Fifi Sijangga, the Academy has achieved an international and national reputation as one of the preeminent dance academies in Indonesia since 1995. In 2014, Claresta Alim (daughter of Fifi Sijangga), the third generation of MDA, joined MDA to become the Director of Performing Arts. With her prestigious awards, she has taught students who have special talent in the field of classical ballet and modern dance to join the “Trainee Programs” of MDA. The programs are created specifically to support students who want a professional career in the field of dance. MDA’s curricula consist of various types of dance including classical ballet (technique, pas de deux, variations, point), modern dance, jazz, hip hop and fitness (body conditioning - strength – core exercise). With the various types of curriculums, MDA’s students have been given the opportunity to join performances and competitions both locally and internationally. They have also had the opportunity to take trainings, seminars and workshops that could further enhance their knowledge in their specific curriculum. Marlupi Sijangga, RAD RTS Principal and Founder Marlupi started her ballet education at “Tegal Sari” ballet school in 1952, under the guidance of Mrs. Zahller from the Netherlands. She then started her own Ballet School at Bon Becak Bungaran in 1956, with the name of Marry. In 1970, based on the advice from the head of Indonesian Department of Culture and Education, the late Mr. Moelyono Suryopranomo, Marry ballet school was renamed to MARLUPI, and relocated to Trimurti Studio and Simolawang. Marlupi had also studied traditional Javanese dance at the East Java’s Department of Culture and Education. To enrich her knowledge on the field of gymnastic, ballet, and modern dance, Marlupi studied at Koln – Germany; Academy Ballet Zurich, Madrid; Jojo Dance Centre – New York; and Toronto Dance Centre – Canada, and was enrolled on a Teacher’s Course from the Royal Academy of Dancing in Singapore and London in 1982-1983.