Get To Know Balinese Culture Through Barong Dance Stories
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- Batubulan, Kecamatan Ubud
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Get To Know Balinese Culture Through Barong Dance Stories.
Bali is a unique island in Indonesia where modern life and traditional life can go hand in hand. You can find the glittering nightlife and luxury of various accommodations offered. However, you can also enjoy a variety of traditional cultures such as traditional ceremonies, religious holidays, and traditional dances. Then, one way that you can get to know Balinese culture more deeply is through the Barong Dance story.
Barong Dance Story
The name of Barong dance is certainly familiar in your ears. This is one of the traditional Balinese dances that is still preserved until today. This dance is presented with a mask and costume that can be worn by up to two people. Barong symbolizes the manifestation of spiritual beings in Hindu mythology believed by the Balinese people. Therefore, this dance is considered sacred because it contains spiritual values in it.
The word Barong comes from the Sanskrit "Bahruang" or animals which are considered to have supernatural powers and are often regarded as protectors of goodness. Some types of Barong dance in Bali are Barong Ket, Barong Bangkal, Barong Landung, Barong Macan, Barong Gajah, Barong Asu, Barong Brutuk, Barong Lembu, Barong Kedingkling, Barong Kambing and Barong Gagombrangan.
The Barong dance story that is often presented to visitors is the Barong Ket dance story. The Barong Dance story usually contains scenes about good against evil. But, it often add humorous acts to make the audience laugh. In every Barong Dance story, you will see Barong playing a role in representing the good side. As for Rangda, a scary figure with two pointed fangs and a long tongue sticking out, representing the evil side.
When watching Barong Ket Dance, you will hear lively gamelan music as a complement to dance performances. Barong Ket dancers usually wear Lion, Tiger and Ox costumes. The four-legged Barong costume is usually worn by two dancers who occupy the front and back positions. While costumes are usually decorated with leather ornaments, pieces of glass, crow feathers, and pandan leaves.
Barong Dance performances are distinguished based on their purpose. Barong dance which is held in a temple has a special meaning and purpose that is sacred. While the Barong Dance that is displayed outside the temple usually intends to entertain tourists. Special spells are usually embedded in the sacred Barong dance, such as in the Barong Ngunya Dance and Barong Bangkung. Whereas the entertain Barong dance only contains entertaining stories.
The Barong dance is usually presented in five acts and performed in one hour. Batu Bulan Village in Sukawati District is the one who routinely holds Barong Dance performances. The type of Barong dance that is played is the Barong Ket Dance, or also called Barong Batubulan Dance by tourists. Before the show begins, you will be given a complete guide of the Barong Dance story which is performed in print with a choice of languages such as Indonesian, English, French, Italian, Japanese and Mandarin. One of the Barong Dance performances is the Cultural Jambe located on Jln. Pasekan, Batubulan Village, Gianyar. Barong dance will be held once an hour starting at 09.30 Wita until 00.00 Wita.
Besides Barong Dance, you can also watch other Balinese dances such as Kecak Dance, Keris Dance, Mask Dance, Janger Dance, Gebug Ende, and many entertaining other dances.
