{"id":25,"date":"2015-12-25T08:48:08","date_gmt":"2015-12-25T06:48:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/new.ambogdan.com\/uluwatu-kecak-dance\/"},"modified":"2020-11-03T19:53:09","modified_gmt":"2020-11-03T17:53:09","slug":"kecak-dance-uluwatu-temple-bali","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ambogdan.com\/kecak-dance-uluwatu-temple-bali\/","title":{"rendered":"Kecak Dance"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u201cCak! Cak! Cak cak cakcakcakcakcakcakcak\u2026,\u201d when you hear that sound, it means that Kekac dance performance has begun in Pura Uluwatu Temple. Along with Barong and <\/span>\u00a0Janger dances, <\/span>Kekac is an icon of Balinese performing art. It is one of the <\/span>\u201cmust see\u201d<\/span><\/i> things once you get to the island. <\/span><\/p>\n

The origins of Kekac dance<\/b><\/h2>\n

Not known exactly where Kecak dance originated and which was first developed, but there are some kind of agreement on the Balinese Kecak, as additional knowledge Kecak was originally a song or music that is resultant from a combination sounds that make up melodies that are usually used to accompany the sacred dance Sanghyang. And can only be staged in the temple. Then in the early 1930s by artists from the village of Bona, Gianyar trying to develop a Kecak dance by taking the story of Ramayana who danced as a substitute for Sanghyang Dance so this dance could eventually be displayed in public as a performance art. Part of the Ramayana story in which the first is taken as Goddess Sita was abducted by King Ravana (Rahwana).<\/span><\/p>\n

Kekac\u2019s origins are not known for sure, yet there\u2019s a certain agreement that it <\/span>was first developed into a performing arts in the village of Bona, Gianyar. At that time the dance could only be performed in the temple as the dance was <\/span>rooted in an old ritual dance called <\/span>sanghyang<\/span><\/i> or <\/span>trance dance<\/span><\/i>. In <\/span>sanghyang<\/span><\/i> dance, a person in a state of trance communicates with the deities or ancestors. The dancer acts as a medium to communicate the deities or ancestors\u2019 wishes.<\/span> In the early 1930s artists from Bona developed further the Kekac dance by taking the story of Ramayana who danced as a substitute for Sanghyang Dance. Therefore, this dance could eventually be displayed in public as a performance art.<\/span><\/p>\n

Kekac dance routine <\/b><\/h2>\n

The routine as seen today is performed by a group of around 40-60 men bare-chested, swathed in the distinct Balinese sarongs (black-and-white checkered fabric). They enter the stage chanting <\/span>\u201ccak\u201d<\/span><\/i> in organized rhythm and harmony while raising their hands to the sky and stomping their feet.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Kekac<\/p>\n

What makes this dance particularly unique is that the drama uses no artificial backdrop, no musical instrument. The concentric circles of men sitting cross-legged around a set of torches in the center form a chorus that continuously chant \u201cCak! Cak! Cak!\u201d<\/em> or \u201cKeh-Chak”<\/em> in polyrhythmic sounds during almost the entire performance. In other words, they perfectly imitate the sounds of \u201cgamelan\u201d orchestra which usually accompanies other Balinese traditional performances. <\/span><\/p>\n

In Bali, as in other parts of the world, a traditional dance is more than just an art form. It\u2019s an expression of gratitude, a way to thank the gods for all their blessings and kindness. <\/span>There are dozens of different dances – all part of the fascinating Balinese cultures. I was especially impressed with the way the hand movement of the dancers and the way it harmonizes with their face expressions. And it’s impossible not to be dazzled by the beauty and intricate embroidery of the costumes. You can see this in some of the pictures I had taken. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n