The island of Bali probably has more traditional dances per square mile than any other real estate in the world. Some are solemn and graceful, while others border on slapstick. The town of Ubud is particular famous as a center of dance performances. Whether its a performance for tourists or a spectacle at a temple ceremony, you're pretty much guaranteed access to a dance performance every day in central Bali.Traditional Balinese dances are the oldest form of performing arts in Bali. Traditional dances can be divided into two types, sacred dance called Wali and entertainment dance called Bebalihan. Wali (sacred dance) is usually performed in some ritual ceremonies only because it has strong magical powers and only can be performed by specific dancers. Bebalihan are usually performed in social events. In addition to entertain, Bebalihan also has other purposes such as: welcoming guests, celebration of harvests, or gathering crowds. Bebalihan has more variations than Wali.
Most Popular Bali Dances
Barong Dance
he Barong is the magical protector of Balinese villages. As "lord of the forest" with fantastic fanged mask and long mane, he is the opponent of Rangda the witch, who rules over the spirits of darkness, in the never ending fight between good and evil.
Oleg Tambulilingan or Bumble Bees Dance
Bumblebee dance, more correctly, the Oleg Tambulilingan Created in 1952 by a famous male dancer Mario ( real name Ketut Marya) for a world fare, performed by the famous dance troupe from Peliatan, close to Ubud, in 1951. The Bumblebee Dance is a very sensual performance and mimics the mating dance of 2 bumblebees.
Kecak Dance
Kecak was originally a trance ritual accompanied by male chorus. Kecak is a form of Balinese music drama, originated in the 1930s and is performed primarily by men, although a few women's. Also known as the Ramayana Monkey Chant, the piece..
Legong Dance
The story derives from the history of East Java in the 12th and 13th centuries. A king finds the maiden Rangkesari lost in the forest. He takes her home and locks her in a house of stone. Rangkesari's brother, the Prince of Daha, learns of her captivity and threatens war unless she is set free.
Shadow Puppet
The wayang puppet show is perhaps the most famous show in Balinese theatre, albeit the most difficult to understand. Basically an epic narrative, it is the key to Bali's unique world of myths, symbols and religious beliefs.
Joged Dance
The jogged dance is a social society dance which have been exist since previous era, its creation also not known exactly. This social dance in previous era, is identical with harvest party or event entertainment of other society, because staging of jogged dance very sticky to the heart of its audience, because of the audience can dance and along with the dancer.
Baris Dance
The Baris dance is a sacred dance performed not only during cremation ceremonies but also temple anniversary ceremonies and other holy celebrations because it is believed that during these ceremonies The gods, Goddesses and Ancestors come down to earth to give blessings.
Kebyar Terompong Dance
The Kebyar is the most strenuous and subtle of Balinese dances. It is said that no one can become a great Kebyar dancer unless he can play every instrument of the orchestra.
Janger Dance
Janger is performed by a group of boys and girls. The boys are usually sitting in two row facing each other and the girls are sitting in another two rows..
Topeng Dance
In topeng, there is a conscious attempt to include many, sometimes contradictory, aspects of the human experience: the sacred and the profane, beauty and ugliness, refinement and caricature.
Pendet Dance
Pendet is the presentation of an offering in the form of a ritual dance. Unlike the exhibition dances that demand arduous training, Pendet may be danced by anyone. It is taught simply by imitation.
Sanghyang Dance ( Fire Dance)
There are 6 kinds of sanghyang dance widely known by the people: Sangyang Dedari, Sanghyang Deling, Sanghyang Jaran, Sanghyang Bojog, Sanghyang Celeng and Sanghyang Grobogan.