A guest blog post by Manya Singh
The mesmerizing island city of Bali will
surprise you with every step. It is a common misconception that Bali is a city
of ‘temples’. Bali has stunning temples, but it also has pristine beaches, and
other tourist attractions. However, the major highlight has always been the
traditional customs and rituals that are followed thoroughly around the city.
One such custom is the Balinese Dance. A
dance form of many styles - some intimidating, some comic, and some
representing pleasure. The various best
dance forms are:
Kecak Dance: In spite of being a
non-traditional dance form Kecak dance has been one of the most celebrated
dance styles of Bali. Reciting the Ramayana tale, the shirtless men chant
‘kechak-ke-chak’, imitating a troop of monkeys, throughout the dance in a
rhythmic tone. This spectacular dance form is a strong attraction for tourists.
Rejang Dance: The Balinese performs this
dance style to show their devotion to dance. Rejang means ‘offering’, and it is
performed along with a grand religious ceremony either inside or outside the
temple.
Barong Dance: This dance form narrates the
story of good versus evil, wherein, the lion-like Barong conquered over the
evil witch Rangda. The dance is accompanied by an orchestra – Gong Kebyar. The
orchestra is made with a variety of gamelan instruments, metal gongs, and
symbols.
Legong Dance: Balinese dance is all about
style and authenticity. Legong dance is one such form that is considered as the
most graceful dance form. This dance is performed in varied forms. Two Legongs
dance in a mirror image of each other to depict the symbolic story of a defeated
king.
Baris Dance: A dance form that recites the
stories of the warriors and their weapons is the Baris Dance. Generally,
Balinese men perform this dance form, praising the victorious Balinese warrior
through their dance.
Sanghyang Dance: Sanghyang is basically a
sacred spirit that temporarily possesses a dancer. This sacred dance is
performed to rescue the village of any evil spirit. It is an unusual version of
the Legong dance, and is performed by two young girls with eyes closed shut.
The dancers are blessed with holy water sprinkled by the pesmangku.
The Balinese dance is a way of expressing the
traditional culture and traditions of the city. These dance forms are a visual
treat for the eyes. So, book Bali packages from India today to witness the undying
integrity of the various Balinese dance forms.
About the author:
Manya Singh is a photographer & solo
traveller by hobby, travel blogger by passion and lifestyle writer by
profession. At present she is responsible for managing and planning holidays at http://www.weareholidays.co.in