THE KEBYAR

The renewal of the arts during the 30’s saw a surge in dance creativity, producing dances that are still the most popular in Bali : short but spectacular non-narrative dances inspired by the dynamism of the Gong Kebyar, a Gamelan orchestra originating from Northern Bali. The most famous are the Kebyar Duduk and Kebyar Trompong. These two dances were created by Mario, Balinese dance genius from this century. They are displays of suppleness and virtuosity, particularly the Kebyar Trompong, with the dancer playing the Trompong Instrument while dancing.

PENDET AND PENYEMBRAMA

These dances are performed to welcome visiting Gods, who are presented with offerings of flowers. Nowadays tourists are also showered with flowers.

THE TOPENG MASK

“Topeng” means mask and the mask dance related the tales of Balinese and Javanese ancestors returning temporarily to inhabit the mask. Nowadays, the main stories, with their princes and clowns, are preceded by a set of solo mask dances for men – the “Topeng Keras”, or dance of the “Strong Warrior”, the “Topeng Tua” – a fantastic dance showing the advance of old age in the king’s old counselor, and the “Topeng Dalem” – showing the king in all his glory with enough clowns to fill a circus.

THE GAMBUH

The Gambuh is the oldest classical dance in Bali, probably introduced at the time of the Majapahit culture. At a hauntingly slow tempo, the Gambuh dance drama tells episodes from the story of Panji’s search for his beloved in the kingdoms of Eastern Java. Now retained in only a few villages (notably Batuan and Pedungan), the Gambuh combines the best of both female and male Balinese dancing. An unusual feature is the use of long bamboo flutes instead of the complete set of Gamelan and Gongs.

THE LEGONG KRATON

The famous Legong Dance is the epitome of classical female Balinese dancing. A court dance, it was created in the 18^th century in the circles of the principality of Sukawati. According the legend, in the mid-18^th century, I Dewa Agung Made Karna who was meditating for 40 days and nights saw two dancing celestial angles. After his meditations, he passed on what he had seen and heard to his court dancers and musicians. The Sanghyang Legong was born.

Now including a variety of modern “free creation” (tari lepas), the legong is usually the first dance taught to beginners. Months of training are needed to master the perfect mix of posture (tangkep), movements and mimicry. Three dancers in glittering costumes – one condong lady – In – waiting and two princesses whose roles change according to the narrative – usually perform it. The ancient Legong used to have a storyteller’s accompaniment, but these days they are only dance performances.