Dances Of Bali: A Detailed Guide With Schedules

Q: Can tourists participate in traditional Balinese dance performances?

Yes! You can experience traditional Balinese dance in two simple ways: By watching dance shows at temples, palaces, and cultural venues and taking dance classes with local instructors to learn basic movements and techniques.

Q: Where can I watch traditional Balinese dances?

Some of the best places to watch traditional Balinese dances are at Uluwatu Temple and Surya Mandala Cultural Park. You’ll find many other dance performances like Keris Dance and Sanghyang Dance throughout Bali in different venues.

Q: What is the most popular dance in Bali?

Barong Dance and Kecak Dance are the most popular dances in Bali.

Q: What is the traditional dance of Bali?

Kecak Fire Dance, Barong Dance, and Kris Dance are some of the traditional dances of Bali.

With a rich cultural background Bali is a favourite beach destination for people all over and if you too want to immerse yourself in some Bali delight then you need to consider experiencing the dances of Bali on your Bali Trip.

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.

The history of dance in Bali deeply connects to ancient Hindu traditions of performing drama that tells stories through dance and music. Bali’s cultural dances start 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.

Suggested Read: Temples of Bali

Bali’s Traditional Dances

Balinese dance dramas 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 tell stories. All around Bali, but notably in the villages of Ubud and Gianyar, you may find talented dancers and instructors.

Balinese dance is accompanied by traditional percussion orchestras called gamelan, which assemble 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.

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).