Balinese traditional dance and music are still very present and functional in Bali. They are performed both in temples to welcome gods as at weddings or receptions to entertain guests.

Both dance and music are passed on from parents to children, organized in villages or in music and dance schools or studied at the conservatory. This spectrum creates a rich and vibrant culture in which both classical pieces and new choreographies or music pieces are created. They are performed for and appreciated by young and old.

While Western classical dance seeks to detach itself almost floating from the earth, Balinese dance takes its roots in the earth to grow from there. As graceful as it may look, this art of dance requires tremendous physical effort. The less it is visible the more skilled the dancer.

The dynamic music, expressive dance, colorful costumes, make-up and masks are all elements that contribute equally to the "Gesamkunstwerk."

Balinese dance does not express the subject figuratively, but aims to express the inner values of the given in dance language. For example, the dance not only evokes the beauty of the paradise birds in Cendrawasih, but at the same time develops that inner value in dancer and spectator.

Therefore, the dancer will present oneself in full front view during the dance asmuch as possible. The front view is an outward symbol of an inner reality. A feature of Balinese dance similar to Egyptian imagery.

Photo by @wardjansenphoto