Dances of Bali: A detailed guide

Q: Can tourists participate in traditional Balinese dance performances?

Yes, Balinese people allow tourists to participate in the Kecak dance on their island. However, it is recommended to show respect for the cultural significance of the dance and to follow the guidelines set by the local performers.

Q: Where can I watch traditional Balinese dances?

There are daily shows held at Uluwatu Temple Amphitheatre ,Nusa Dua Theatre, Bali Safari and Marine Park, Agung Rai (ARMA) Museum & Resort Ubud, Kampoeng Bali Restaurant @ RIMBA Jimbaran Bali by AYANA, Bebek Tepi Sawah, Ubud

Q: What is the most popular dance in Bali?

Some of the popular dances of Bali are Kecak Dance and Barong Dance.

Q: What is the traditional dance of Bali?

Some of the traditional dances of Bali are Rejang Dance and Sanghyang Dances

Bali is synonymous with dance. Whether religious temple dances like The Kecak Dance or entertainment for tourists, dancing traditions flourish here and are consciously cultivated. Balinese boys and girls are trained in traditional arts and culture from a very young age and dance is a vital part of Balinese culture.

Balinese integrate the dances into rituals to honour deities or communicate with the spiritual world through trance dances. Each performance starts with offerings, and dancers actively seek Taksu, a term for divine inspiration, through their prayers. Regularly featured at various temples in Bali Festivals and significant ceremonies, these dances are also staged for tourists to experience.

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Bali’s Traditional Dances

Balinese dance culture draws a lot of inspiration from ancient Hindu traditions of performing drama that tells stories through dance and music. Dances of Bali can represent how the character from Hindu scripture fights demons and evil spirits. Most Balinese dances have two common aspects- the Rangda and The Barong ( the witch and the great beast, in Balinese)

All parts of the body, including the face, eyes, and hands, need to move with life and grace in order to dance well and to tell stories. All around Bali, but notably in the villages of Ubud and Gianyar, you may find really talented dancers and instructors.

Balinese dance is accompanied by traditional percussion orchestras called gamelan, which assembles various rhythmic instruments made of bamboo, wood and bronze. The gamelan provides the rhythms that direct dancers’ movements. The Balinese have many kinds of traditional dances in Bali.

Suggested Read: Temples of Bali

There are various types of Balinese dances based on the history and culture of Indonesia. These are religious dances performed in places throughout Bali and Indonesia. Dances popular with visitors are the Kecak Dance, Legong Dance, and the Barong Dance.

UNESCO recognized three genres of traditional dances in Bali, Indonesia, as Intangible cultural heritage. The three genres include Wali (sacred dances), Bebali (semi-sacred dances), and Balih-balihan (dances for entertainment purposes).