There are clear indications that
dance and drama closely tied with religion, have played a central
role in Balinese
life since time immemorial. Following the demise of Balinese kingdoms
at the beginning of the 20th century, the focus for dance and
drama shifted from the royal courts to the villages.
In Balinese dance, considerable Indian
influence is evident. Balinese dance costumes, with their glittering
headdresses and elaborate jewellery are clearly of Hindu-Javanese
origin and, as in Java, Balinese dancers adopt the basic Indian
stance.
But, unlike Javanese, who developed slow, controlled,
continuous movements performed with eyes downcast and limbs close
to the body, the Balinese dancers are charged with energy, eyes
agape, dating this way and that, high-stepping, arms up, moving
with quick, cat like bursts that would startle a Javanese. The
Balinese distinguish between dances that are sacred (wali), ceremonial
(bebali) and simply for watching (balih-balihan). The last category
of dances appears to have developed exclusively among the nobility,
but they are now performed by villagers as part of ceremonial
repertoire.
The legong keraton was originally a court dance
developed for royal amusement, but it is now seen frequently at
village temple ceremonies through out Bali. Traditionally, legong
was performed by two young girls, introduced by a court attendant
(condong) who sweeps the stage clean and present the dancers with
fans. Sheated in glittering gold costumes, with headdresses crowned
by frangipani blossoms, the two dancers then enact one of a dozens
or so possible stories. Today, more than two women may perform
the dance, and they need not to be very young.
The baris or warrior dances on the other hand,
seem to have developed out of old ritual battle dances. A good
baris performance is a true test of wits for the dancers and the
musician for they must respond to each other’s signals to
produce the quivering bursts of synchronized energy that are the
essence the dance.
More articles about Bali dances are under each
of its own section
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