The Barong Dance Bali is one of Bali’s popular cultural arts and is well-known among world travelers. What is unique about this dance is that the dancers wear masks, have energetic movements, and generally take plays from folklore.
There are some interesting facts behind the beauty of the Barong Balinese dance, which you can watch freely. Every fact about the Barong dance show in Bali will amaze you and make you want to watch it live instantly. So, five historical facts about this dance are:
1. Barong is a Figure Like a Lion
Barong is a figure who looks like a lion and is considered the king of spirits. He is famous as a guardian angel figure or for representing virtue.
On the opposite side, there is Rangda, Barong’s mortal enemy. Ranga is famous as a demon queen who was the leader of an army of evil witches on Earth.
Barong dance Bali meaning is the classic battle between good and evil. Later, during the dance performance, you will see Barong’s efforts to destroy Rangda, who is trying to rule the world with evil spirits.
Some men fight using keris daggers, and when Barong comes, the keris changes direction and stabs the fighting people. The players will start to fall into a trance.
Barong is increasingly trying to defeat Rangda so that nature returns to balance. After Rangda loses, possessed people will return to their senses and seem to be reincarnated because of the famous splash of holy water.
2. Represents Efforts to Maintain Natural Balance
The meaning of the Barong Keris Dance Bali is an effort to maintain the balance between two opposing things: good and evil.
Based on the storyline of the dance, this art is more than just a performance; it also has a philosophy that can be applied to everyday life. When there is evil or evil that disturbs life, then someone must act to defeat it.
Interesting, right?
3. There Are Six Types of Barong Dance
Even though the Barong figure is a lion, in several other areas of Bali, a different figure represents the Barong figure. This is what makes the Barong Dance type divided into several, namely:
- Barong Ket: Barong’s form is like that of a super tall human, about twice the size of an average human. The male Barong is named Jero Gede, while the female Barong is named Jero Luh.
- Barong Bangkal: Looks like a male pig or Bangkal
- Barong Landung: Played by one or several dancers who have various roles, such as Mantri (king), Galuh (consort), Libur (lady), and others
- Barong Macan: Shaped like a tiger
- Barong Asu: Its shape resembles a dog
- Barong Gajah: It looks like an elephant and is more sacred, so performances of the dance are very occasional
4. Unique Costumes
Barong dance show Bali costume consists of a mask and body costume. Usually, the costume is filled with one or two people, like a lion dance.
This costume looks fantastic because it is covered in thick white fur and decorated with mirror shards and gold jewelry. Meanwhile, the head of the Barong is in the form of a mask made of unique wood.
Because of this, you can immediately recognize this dance because the costumes are very striking.
5. Shown in Many Places
Barong dance shows Bali are usually performed in locations that can reach tourists in any area. Some popular places for this performance are Batubulan, GWK (Garuda Wisnu Kencana), and Kesiman.
Seeing the exciting facts about the Barong Dance Bali, add this performance to your wish list! But don’t forget to enjoy the truly Balinese vibe at Mari Beach Club, where authentic meets modern elegance!
