Bali traditional dance is an integral part of Balinese culture where the Balinese themselves take them very seriously. In fact, Balinese dances like Kecak dance, Barong dance, Kebyar Duduk, and Legong Keraton are famous all over the world.
The lifestyles of Balinese people are expressed in their dance. Not only do we learn about the Balinese religion from their dance creations but also we can come to understand the flow of cultural events and activities that belong to everyday life. We can discover Balinese attitudes, how they look at nature, and how they regard their fauna and flora. The very essence of the Balinese culture is dance and drama, which is performed during temple festivals and in ceremonies.
The Bali traditional dance cannot be separated from religion. Even the dances for the tourists are preceded by many dancers praying at their family shrine for taksu (inspiration) from the gods. Dance fulfils a number of specific functions: It may be a channel for visiting gods or demons, the dancers acting as a sort of living repository. It may be as a welcome for visiting gods. It may be entertainment for visiting gods.
Panymebrama is the welcome dance from Bali traditional dance, and is probably the most popular Balinese social dance. In keeping with its meaning in the Balinese language, Panymebrama is frequently staged to welcome guests of honor who are making a visit to this island of the Gods. Let’s move to Yudapati dance, which depicts a male character but is performed by female dancers. The word Yudapati is derived from Yuda which means war and Pati which means death. The dance represents the kamikaze warrior in defending the truth. The dance was created in 1987. It is based on the Baris dance.
Barong dance probably the most famous Bali traditional dance where there are several versions of the Barong Dance, as Bali has an abundance of myths and legends. There is Barong Ket, Barong Asu (Dog Barong), Barong Macan (Tiger Barong), Barong Bangkal (Pig Barong), Barong Gajah (Elephant Barong) and others.One of the well known stories on which the Barong Dance is based, is the Kunti Seraya. The plot is very intriguing, showing the effect of the Gods intervention upon the people through supernatural powers.
The Sanghyang Jaran dance probably is the most horror Bali traditional dance, where the unique feature of the Sanghyang Jaran dance is the courage of the dancers who in a state of kesurupan or trance, calmly step and trample on red hot coals just as if they were walking in cold water. This dance is believed to have the power to invite the gods or sacred spirits to enter the body of the dancers and put them in a state of trance.
Last but not least, the Legong Trunajaya, the dance of love and emotions. The Trunajaya dance describes the emotions of a young man through love and passion. The dance movements reflect the theme of courtship and love. Interesting huh?
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