Carmencita Palermo MA, PhDExpert in Balinese Mask Performance I have been exploring the life of the mask through dancing tradition for over 20 years. I have a Master’s degree in Performing Arts from the University of Bologna-Italy and an Advanced Master’s degree in Cultural Studies from Leiden University-Netherlands. My PhD in Asian Studies-Balinese Performance is from the University of Tasmania. The thesis is on the embodiment of the Balinese mask, its cosmological implications and its cultural context. I have been teaching and performing in Europe, Indonesia and Australia.My work is driven by a strong passion for a true dialogue between cultures through the arts. I aim to facilitate encounters between artists from different backgrounds, communities, teachers and students. Masks are my main means. The mask is not only the quintessential tool for the performer to become one with a character, but it is also a great means to achieve a true dialogue with other performers on stage and with the audience. The mask owns its own language, a universal language that facilitates the encounter between cultures. Even if without word a mask is able to create emotions and mesmerise the audience… in that moment the audience feels one with the mask… and feels how the performer is one with the mask and the music and the story that she is telling… That moment of unity between the multiple layers of narratives and interpretations is the creativity in the doing that I look for and I love sharing.From July 2013 I’ll travel to Indonesia, the UK and Brazil to teach and perform and Universities, events and festivals with the projects-Searching for Women’s Breath. Cross-Cultural Dialogues in Performance.