LEGONG DANCE, BALI: Vibrance of movement, resonance of sound and remarkable postures

Grace, intricacy of movement and extreme facial expressions with rhythmic music create an overpowering effect in the Legong dance. The dance is accompanied by musicians in the side, catering to game plan music

Travel to any place in SE Asia is wonderful. Yet, one place that has remained special to self and I guess to many, is BALI, in East Java, Indonesia. Culturally, the place is very rich with rituals, offerings, traditions, art, dance forms and occasions. While other parts of Indonesia witnessed influence by travellers (Chinese and Malayan travellers via the trade route) and European colonization (read Dutch) in the early part of the 20th century, the eastern and southern parts of Bali, remained less affected by external influence and practised Hinduism since the 11th century.

Now coming to the moot point. Dances and dramatic performances remained ingrained in the culture of Bali. In dance forms, over a hundred varieties exists, starting from the simple REJANG to the highly intricate form LEGONG. For the tourists three dance forms namely LEGONG, BARONG and KECAK are popular and can be seen easily.

The LEGONG is supposed to have originated during the reign of King of Sukawati, I Dewa Agung Made Karna (1775-1825 AD). Female dancers, in shimmering costume, heavily embellished in gold, red,green and black weave a magic. Each act starts with a solo with other dances joining in as the dance progresses to keep up with the narrative and story line, often from Ramayana. Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, Maricha, Jatayu, Bali Sugriva all make their entry at appropriate times with strong individuality.

The music encompases ensembles of musical instruments producing a music, intertwined with dance, recitation, puppetry and other artistic endeavours. One of the instruments sounds very much like “ Jal Taranga” and provides the main background sound.Bronze, bamboo and percussion instruments are tuned to perfection. The stage is the ground, usually in the courtyard of the Kings palace and is encircled by guests on three sides. The ambience and huge gong at the end of each episode reminds one of “JATRA” from West Bengal,India. Enclosing pics from the Legong dance seen by self in the Ubud Place in Bali twice.

One get's to see them in the Kings Palace/ Keraton in UBUD, Bali, with shows starting usually around 6 pm. Reach early to get a vantage seat.