Bali Dance Fest Schedule; Valid Until 31 Dec. 2009
Trip Start
Unknown
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24
26
Trip End
Ongoing
Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Monday: Kecak
Kecak dance is very unique, there is no musical instrument used in this dance. The background music is coming from troupe of bare-chested male vocals serve the chorus making the sound of “chak-chak-chak” surrounding the dancers. The dance it self is taken from Ramayana and divided into some episodes; Rama, Shinta and Golden deer. Shinta ask Rama to catch a golden deer, Rama leaves Shinta under Laksamana protection. Shinta and Rahwana. Rahwana appears to kidnap Shinta and takes her to his Kingdom – Alengka. Shinta, Trijata and Hanoman. Shinta walked at the Garden of Alengka under guard of Trijata. Hanoman (white monkey) appears and tell Shinta that he is Rama’s envoy, Shinta give
Hanoman her hairpin and ask him to tell Rama to rescue her. Rama, Meganada and Garuda. This is the battle of Rama against Meganada – Rahwana’s son. Meganada shot Rama with magic arrow which turns into a dragon and ties
Rama. Garuda – Rama’s ally comes to rescue and release Rama from the dragon. Finally Rama succeeded to rescue Shinta.
Sunday & Tuesday: Legong
This beautiful performing art is inspired by the dancing angels. In early 19th century, a prince in Sukawati was in coma caused by his illness. In his coma he saw nymphs dancing delicate dances in grace accompanied by beautiful
sound of music. Later after his health revival, together with some artist of the village he transformed this dance into reality.
In Bali, not everyone have same understanding of the word “Legong”. This is partly because of fact that it is a series of dances that combines into it. Up to now, at least there are 18 forms of Legong have been recorded. Legong is a classical Balinese dance, the dancers starts dancing from the very young age, traditionally selected among little girls in the village for their suppleness and beauty. They will go on dancing Legong until the age of puberty, before start learning other dances.
Wednesday & Saturday: Ramayana
Bharata, the third son of King Dasaratha was Crowned as King of Ayodhia to fulfill his fathers wish. Rama the eldest son and the crown prince, left his father’s palace followed by his wife Shinta and his younger brother Laksamana to the Forest. Rahwana, the King of Alengka intend to kidnap Shinta, he ordered his Prime Minister Maricha to transform himself as a golden deer to allure Shinta. With this trick, Rahwana succeeded to kidnap Shinta and brought her to his Kingdom. On the way back to Alengka, they were attacked by the big eagle Jatayu – friend of Rama in attempt to rescue Shinta but Rahwana is too strong and Jatayu was defeated. Before his death, Jatayu manage to inform Rama
and Laksamana of the Shinta’s whereabouts. Hanoman, the sacred white monkey met Shinta in the garden of Alengka. After knowing from Shinta that she was kidnapped by Rahwana, he destroyed the garden of Alengka. Accompanied by all monkey troops, Rama and Laksamana attacked Alengka and successfully bring Shinta back to Ayodhia.
Friday: Jegog
Jegog is musical orchestra using bamboo music instrument, this orchestra is very rare and only available in Jembrana regency – west Bali except one in Japan and another one in USA. The History of Jegog is dated back to year 1928, during that time Jegog was used to be played during festivals and any other social activities.
Thursday: Nusantara dance
Angklung is a traditional Sundanese bamboo musical instruments, it is made up of several bamboo pipes and can produce various melodic sound. To play, you don’t have to hit it. All you have to is to shake it with your hand to produce the tone. Here you will see the traditional Sundanese bamboo musical concert that is performed by a small group. See their dynamic performance and natural expression.
