HISTORY OF THE BALINESE DANCE

As a result of the Majapahit influences,the Indian epics have been woven in the rich tapestry of dances and the Javanese influence in the wayang has resulted in the recitation of long quotes from the ancient Javanese Kakawin poetry.

The 16th century brought Islamization to Java, resulting in much of the Javanese culture vanishing from its own land. However, it transformed in Bali, becoming classical Balinese culture. But this didn't live too long until colonization.

The rural courts were defeated and replaced with new lords of the land, shifting the center of creativity to village associations and to development of tourism. The Balinese cultural dance was in its hype of activities especially during the 30's and 50's.

The fertile decades helped survive the old narrative-led theater while letting loose solo dances almost everywhere, accompanied by a new, dynamic kind of music called gong kebyar.

This trend contiued in the 60's and 70's with the creation of colossal sendratari ballets, representing ancient Indian and Javanese stories adapted to the needs of modern audiences.