The Kecak Dance is one of the most famous Balinese dances, and it is also one of the most recognizable. This dance has made appearances in numerous documentaries, travel shows, and Bali-themed movies. The dance is frequently hailed as one of the top activities in Bali, and that’s because it truly is extraordinary.
If you’re planning a trip to Bali, or thinking about going there soon, you might want to check out some more information on this amazing dance. In this article, we will go over everything you need to know about the Kecak Dance.
What is Kecak Dance?
When you first hear about the Kecak dance, you most likely want to know what it is. The Kecak dance is one of the regular traditional Balinese dances, whose nature is a dance drama. Ramayana Epic is the basis for most of the dance dramas. Among all the Balinese dances, the Kecak has its characteristics, as compared to other Balinese dances.
During the show, it is not accompanied by Gamelan instruments, but only by dancers’ voice chants instead. They chant “cak” during the shows. 50 people, A minimum of people participate in a Kecak dance, except for the lead dancers. Besides abstaining from using musical instruments to attend the dance, the number of participants is also large. Furthermore, the dance participants are mostly men. The first Kecak Dance performance by women in Pura Batukaru took place in 2006. It was an unusual experience to hear a group of women dancers chant together in beautiful costumes and men walking on scorching-hot-burning coconut husks. The participants then sit cross-legged to form a big circle.
Source: Unsplash
History and Meaning of The Kecak Dance
The Dance is believed to have its roots in the ancient Balinese ritual Sanghyang, which served the purpose of warding off evil spirits or conducting exorcisms. In 1930, Balinese dancer Wayan Limbak and German artist Walter Spies joined forces to create the dance. Their collaboration stemmed from a dramatic adaptation of Sanghyang that incorporated the story of the Ramayana epic. It has been widely popular ever since then.
A group of dancers plays as Ramayana characters Rama, Shinta (Sita), Lakshmana, Rahwana (Ravana), Hanoman (Hanuman), Sugriwa (Sugriva), and other characters to tell the shorter version of the Ramayana Saga. Prince Rama, Shinta, and Lakshmana wander into the woods. There, Rahwana captures Shinta and keeps her in his palace. Rama seeks help and dispatches Lakhsmana to locate his friend Sugriwa, the monkey king. Sugriwa sends Hanuman, the white monkey, to check on Shinta.
A dramatic sequence unfolds as Hanoman gets captured by Rahwana’s troops, and they encircle him to burn Hanuman alive. Furthermore, instead of burning to a crisp, the white monkey warrior remains intact and unharmed. Thus, Hanuman breaks out only to burn Rahwana’s place instead balinese dance.
Unique Costume From The Kecak Dance
The performers of Bali’s Kecak dance don costumes specific to the characters they represent. The majority of men, forming a circle to create the performance’s choral sounds, wear sarongs and black and white cloth around their waists, often adorned with body paint on their upper bodies.
For the main characters depicting the Ramayana Saga, their attire is vivid and colorful, helping the audience distinguish each performer as the story progresses. They are outfitted in elaborate costumes with face makeup and detailed crowns or headdresses, featuring a rich color scheme of gold, red, and green balinese dance. These ornate elements ensure the characters stand out against the performance’s dynamic and fiery setting.
Source: Unsplash
Where and When to See Kecak Balinese Dance?
Here’s the details that we get for you as where and when to see traditional Kecak Dance in Bali:
Come and See at Uluwatu Temple Bali
Held daily at 6:00 PM, this is the most iconic Kecak Dance setting in Bali. Performed on a cliffside stage overlooking the Indian Ocean, the dance unfolds just as the sun sets, creating a breathtaking natural backdrop. Arrive early to secure a good seat, as this show is very popular.
Tanah Lot Temple
Usually starting around 6:30 PM, this performance is framed by the temple’s dramatic offshore silhouette. It’s less crowded than Uluwatu and offers a serene seaside ambiance with the sound of crashing waves accompanying the chanting.
Pura Dalem Taman Kaja, Ubud
Begins at 7:00 PM and is held in a traditional Balinese village temple. The intimate setting allows for a close-up experience of the intricate movements and mesmerizing chants, perfect for culture enthusiasts.
Pura Dalem Ubud
Another Ubud gem starting at 7:00 PM, offering a cultural-rich atmosphere with detailed costumes and a storytelling style that’s both engaging and authentic.
Best to see Kecak Dance: Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park (GWK)
The Kecak Dance at Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural park (GWK) typically starts at 6:00 PM and runs for about 45–60 minutes. Tickets are usually priced at IDR 150,000–200,000 per person, which also includes entry to the cultural park. Arrive at least an hour early to explore the grounds, take in the panoramic sunset views, and secure the best seats before the show begins.
Batubulan Stage, Gianyar
Shows begin around 6:30 PM and are performed in a village renowned for its traditional dance heritage. Here, you’ll get a raw and authentic experience that’s deeply connected to Bali’s cultural roots.
Source: Pixabay
Final Words
The Kecak Dance, an exceptional and exquisite part of Balinese culture, narrates the Ramayana Epic with a chorus of 50 people who vocally depict the story. This dance has appeared in documentaries, travel shows, and movies centered around Bali, establishing itself as one of the world’s most easily recognizable Balinese dances. If you ever get the chance to see the Kecak Dance in person, don’t pass it up. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget.
But before you go to the place, make sure to check the schedule of the performance. If you stay in SADARA Nusa Dua Resort, you can ask us to check the schedule, drive and accompany you to watch it. And Sadara Resort has a partnership with Scholars Of Sustenance (SOS). Each day, the SOS team actively seeks out and collects food that is still suitable for eating or hasn’t been consumed by guests, to then distribute it to children in orphanages or to individuals in need.