Barong Dance Bali
Balinese Dance is a unique and exciting artwork which can be performed to anybody because the Balinese Dance has the fantastic movement and action from the body including the eyes of the dancers. Moreover if the Balinese Gamelan (Balinese Instrument) goes along with the dance could make the audiences stare their eyes and feel amazing. There are plenty of Balinese dance which has been created from the old up to the new creation that are being a trendy for the children and young people.
In Ubud we saw a performance of the Barong which is probably the most well known dance of Bali. It is also another story telling dance, narrating the fight between good and evil. This dance is the classic example of Balinese way of acting out mythology, resulting in myth and history being blended into one reality.
The commercial performances for tourists that are today offered on a daily basis in several places of Bali do, of course, not have the same religious significance and atmosphere of a dance that is performed at a real temple festival.
Barong is probably the most well known dance. It is also another story telling dance, narrating the fight between good and evil. This dance is the classic example of Balinese way of acting out mythology, resulting in myth and history being blended into one reality.
The story goes that Rangda, the mother of Erlangga, the King of Bali in the tenth century, was condemned by Erlangga’s father because she practiced black magic. After she became a widow, she summoned all the evil spirits in the jungle, the leaks and the demons, to come after Erlangga.
A fight occurred, but she and her black magic troops were too strong that Erlangga had to ask for the help of Barong. Barong came with Erlangga’s soldiers, and fight ensued.
Rangda casted a spell that made Erlangga soldiers all wanted to kill themselves, pointing their poisoned keris into their own stomachs and chests. Barong casted a spell that turned their body resistant to the sharp keris. At the end, Barong won, and Rangda ran away.
Somebody can die or get seriously injured in a Barong dance. It is said that if Rangda’s spell is too strong, a weak soldier may not be able to resist it, even with the help of Barong. He may end up hurting himself with his own keris.
The masks of Barong and Rangda are considered sacred items, and before they are brought out, a priest must be present to offer blessings by sprinkling them with holy water taken from Mount Agung, and offerrings must be presented.
For day or half day tour bookings to the Place please contact Ketut Maryana at DriversBali.com
Phone/WhatsApp: +62 81 2397 7705 (Mr. Ketut Maryana)
Website: https://www.driversbali.com
