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| Legong dance |
The highlight of Bali, for me, was experiencing the Balinese culture. Indonesia is a Muslim country, and all the Indonesian islands practice Islam, except Bali. Bali has been able to retain it’s Hindi faith, and this is evident all over the island. I will have to split this cultural story into two parts. The first part will be about Balinese dance. I spent eight days in the central Bali town of Ubud, and could have easily spent a month there! My days were spent walking in the rice terraces, and looking through the plentiful art galleries. My nights were spent attending Balinese dance performances. These were all breathtaking, magical experiences! I was mesmerized during these dances, but was able to remember to snap a few pictures.
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| Legong dance |
The dancers practice for years, starting at an early age, and only the gifted ones get to perform in the ‘big’ shows. I enjoyed the performances at the Ubud Palace because of the quality of performers, quality of costumes, and quality of gamelon orchestra. My favorite’s were the Legong dance, the Barong dance, and the Kecak dance. I will post some pictures and let them tell the story.
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| Legong dance |
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| Legong dance |
Each dancer was constantly moving. From their eyes, and facial expressions, to their head and neck. From their fingers, hands, arms, and shoulders, to their toes, feet, legs, and hips. Their movement was brilliant and stunning!
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| Legong dance |
The Legong dance was my favorite, as the dancers were breathtaking.
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| Legong dance |
The Barong dance was fun, with the fanciful Barong, and the masked dancers.
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| Barong dance |
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| Barong dance |
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| Barong dance |
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| Barong dance |
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| Barong dance |
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| Barong dance |
The Kecak Fire and Trance dance was hypnotic with the men chanting like monkeys, dancers twirling among them.
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| Kecak dance |
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| Kecak dance |
Twice a week, there are dance practices at the Ubud palace for any children interested. The Balinese take dance very seriously, and the children were learning from the masters.
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| girls's dance class |
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| boy's dance class |
I have not ever experienced anything like the Balinese dance performances, and the memories will be vivid for years to come!
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