When on holiday to Bali, one of the recommended activities that may be suggested is watching the Kecak Dance Bali or Tari Kecak. The dance is made in a circular format, which can always make the audience sedated. So it’s not surprising that the show is always busy.
Before finding your seat to watch the Kecak Dance performance, you can check out five interesting facts first so that you can enjoy the show later. Before it emerged as a global art performance, Kecak Dance began with a long, fascinating history. There are at least five facts related to the Kecak dance story, such as:
1. Discovered in 1930
This fantastic art was first discovered in the 1930s as a cooperation between two people from different nationalities. The Kecak Bali Dance history begins when Wayan Limbak, a Balinese dancer, and Walter Spies, a German painter, cooperate to construct the Kecak Dance Ubud. The inspiration came from the Ramayana tale and Sang Hyang culture.
This dance, also known as the Balinese Fire Dance, is a means of spiritual exchange between ancestral spirits or gods and humans. As a result, the dancers will dance in a state of unconsciousness or trance. Its presence is also considered to be a way to ward off disease and protect society and the evil forces that come.
2. Telling About the Ramayana Tale
The center or the core of this dance is the Ramayana tale. Where the theater or dance description often tells the story of the abduction of Dewi Shinta by Rahwana. Rama also tried to free Dewi Shinta by asking Dewa Hanuman for help.
The moral values that this dance often highlights are about the good and bad of the characters’ personalities. Rahwana is depicted as a greedy man, Dewi Shinta, who is devoted to Rama (her husband), and Rahma, who never gives up on saving his wife.
3. Entertainment for the Community
The creation of the dance was basically for entertainment and to introduce Balinese culture. However, the dance has also been performed in religious ceremonies several times.
One of its characteristics is that there is no musical accompaniment during the performance. The accompanying music comes from dozens of dancers who make the sound “cak cak cak.” This is also what makes the name of this dance is kecak.
Even so, you can feel a mystical aura when watching the performance because the dancers can interact with ancestral spirits or gods. Some of them can even do risky things without realizing it.
4. Unique Characteristics
Apart from the absence of accompanying musical instruments, the unique characteristics of this dance are:
- The dance movements are always the same from the beginning to the end of the performance. The movement is carried out in a circular sitting position with the dancer’s hands swayed above their head
- The movement of the hands above the head represents a burning flame
- The dancer’s clothing is simple, only wearing shorts and a headdress
5. Featured in Many Places
Among the many tourist attractions in Bali, several popular spots for Kecak dance performances are Ubud, GWK (Garuda Wisnu Kencana), Tanah Lot, Batu Bulan, and Uluwatu.
Each place has its own uniqueness, especially regarding the scenery surrounding the performance. Therefore, you can choose a place according to personal preferences.
The lighting on this stage does not use lights but torches and candles, making the atmosphere feel more serene and magical.
Are you looking for a place to see the Kecak Dance Bali in a cozy and fun way? Just make sure you come to Mari Beach Club on Saturdays. The Kecak Dance Performance is part of the Mari Beach Club events and will take place from 19.00 until finished.
