Bali's performing arts all have one distinctive feature in common: they all communicate the island's history, beliefs, and philosophies, as well as playing a major role in sacred religious ceremonies. Dance, theater, and drama serve to illuminate the extent to which Balinese culture is incorporated into everyday life.
Balinese dance is taught to children from a very young age and reflections of the accompanying gamelan music are articulated through the eyes, face, hands, and body. It's believed the style of dancing originally came from India. Hinduism originally came to Bali around the thirteenth century, from the Majapahit Empire in Java. Towards the and of the empire's reign in Java, scholars, priests, and musician fled to Bali and bought with them the rituals and beliefs of the religion, which over the years evolved into the unique form of Balinese Hinduism. Thus, the Balinese have incorporated Indian legend, stories and styles into all of their performing arts.
Kecak Dance
A rather energetic performance, the kecak dance (or Ramayana Monkey Chant) is said to have originated during the 1930s and retells an episode from the longer ballet or performance depicting the epic Hindu story of Ramayana. Dancer in traditional costumes chant repetitively while in the center performers recreate a battle between Vanara and the evil king Rahwana, ultimately rescuing Prince Rama.
Barong Dance
The Barong dance represents a mythical lion like animal who is the king of the spirits. A battle between the good Barong and his evil counterpart Rangda, is the essence of this performance. Because the energy of this dance is so fierce and involves combat between good and evil, a considerable number of offerings are made prior to the performance in order to protect the performers.
Barong Dance
The Barong dance represents a mythical lion like animal who is the king of the spirits. A battle between the good Barong and his evil counterpart Rangda, is the essence of this performance. Because the energy of this dance is so fierce and involves combat between good and evil, a considerable number of offerings are made prior to the performance in order to protect the performers.