Legong Dance

We arrive at the  Ubud Palace at 7.15 pm to watch the " Legong Dance "  presented by Bina Remaja Troupe .The Palace built in 16th Century AD, is an architectural marvel, decked with lamps and colourful Tedung, or ceremonial umbrellas very similar to the muthukuda umbrellas used in Kerala. The stage is set at Ancak Saji Palace courtyard for an enthralling Legong Dance performance organized by Tedung Agung Performance Institution. The place is thronged by eager tourists like us and other patrons who distribute pamphlets to the foreigners to aid us in our comprehension of the show.

Ubud Palace decked up for the Legong Dance

GAMELAN MUSIC

We find many tourists seated on a mat or some huddled together on a row of chairs alongside the central stage strewn with Champa flowers.  As we find our space, the musicians begin the Kebyar Dang , a variant of the traditional Indonesian music using Gamelan which is a distinct musical ensemble comprising metallophones , xylophones , drums , gongs , bamboo flutes and plucked or bowed strings which are built and tuned to stay together.  No two gamelan ensembles are the same. Varying forms of gamelan ensembles are distinguished by their collection of instruments and use of voice, tunings, repertoire, style, and cultural context.

Kebyar Dang performed by Gamelan Musicians

Kebyar which means "the process of flowering", is one of the most popular genres of Balinese Gamelan music characterized  by the synchronization of  sudden and gradual tranformations in the dynamics , tempo and melody.  The instruments offer a wide range of pitches and timbres, from a smooth, resonating gong at the low end to  piercing shrieks at the high end, spanning five octaves. Kebyar also involves complementary melodic and rhythmic patterns interwoven together known as kotekan.

  PUSPA WRESTI

Puspa Wresti Dancers

This is a ritual dance, very similar to the invocation dance performed in the begining of a Bharatanatyam recital . The beautiful dancers in  colourful ensembles , adorned with traditional jewellery , flowers and make-up brings the "offering" for the temple ceremony. The captivating poses, emphasized by spry and precise finger movements and well coordinated expressions are the hallmarks of the dance form.  The Balinese dancer invokes the blessings of the Gods and wishes that flowers of joy rain on the audience.



TOPENG KERAS

Topeng Keras or Topeng Kras

Topeng literally means "mask ".This dance drama evolves from a cult of Balinese ancestors who believed dancers to be divine interpreters. Topeng Keras/Kras which represents a martial authoritarian, involves a character wearing a red mask which symbolizes intense anger.
Accompanied by Gamelan music , the Topeng Kras attired in an elaborate costume with a resplendent cloak uses hand gestures and rhythmic feet movements to convey wrath.
This role may not be related to the story being performed, but certainly adds to the awe.

Legong Dancer

 LEGONG KRATON

Legong dancers are young girls, who attend rigorous trainings from the age of five. The beauty of the dancers, accentuated by their elaborate make-up , head gear decked with fresh flowers , ornate jewellery and vibrant attire is bewitching. Accompanied by the kebyar, the nimble fingers of the nymphs move rhythmically and gracefully, transporting the audience to a mythical land of grandeur and harmony.

Legong dancers are highly respected in the society and are much sought after by wealthy merchants and aristocrats in marriage.

Oleg Tambulilingan

                                    


OLEG TAMBULILINGAN


A traditional Balinese dance of love captures the essence of romance in this sensuous choreography.

Oleg Tambulilingan

A beautiful flower symbolizing a girl, gracefully attracts a young audacious bumble-bee symbolizing a young man. The expressions and the playful gestures of teasing and flirting are wonderfully portrayed by the dancers

Kebyar Duduk/Taruna Jaya

KEBYAR DUDUK OR TARUNA JAYA

In this contemporary dance, a young girl dancer dressed as a boy depicts the optimism, zest and valour of a young prince. The emphasis is on the exuberance of youth.





JAUK DANCE

Jauk

   

Another mask dance wherein a demon displays his freedom and elation in the jungle.
The mask, head gear and the costumes are impressive. The hands of the dancer adorned with gloves sporting sharp, pointed finger nails contribute to the diabolical aura .






The enthralling performance was concluded by soothing Gamelan music. We retire at 9 p.m and reach our bungalow, the quietude interrupted by the occasional croak of a valiant frog, somewhere in our garden.