GFF - Travel

Bali Kecak Fire Dance

The Kecak dance of today gets its roots from the traditional sacred Balinese dance of Sanghyang, an important religious dance based on the concept that an unseen force, known as a hyang (translating to god, goddess, deified being or divinity), enters the body and puts the performer into a trance-like state.

Bali Kecak Dance the most famous and historycal dance in Indonesia!

Posted By : ardianjafar On 22th august, 2024

What's the famous and historycal culture in Bali!

The island of Bali is synonymous with culture and tradition. Behind all the uniqueness, there is one Balinese art that has long been a magnet to attract tourists. That art is called the Kecak Dance, a performing art that involves many people in each performance.

'Kecak dance is a type of dance that is often performed in several major events in Bali. The uniqueness of Kecak fire dance lies in its rhythm, as well as the dancers who form a circle while exclaiming “cak cak ke cak cak ke”. During the performance, the audience will be presented with several scenes from the Ramayana stories.’

Kecak dance is actually not an ancient dance that existed during the royal period. Kecak dance is a sendratari (dramatic art) inspired by the Balinese ritual of Sang Hyang. It is a means of spiritual communication between the community and the gods or ancestral spirits. In an unconscious state, they will dance and be accompanied by songs of worship and accompaniment of tetabuhan. This tradition is a cultural heritage to ward off bad luck. Kecak dance is also known as Fire Dance. This dance is a highly anticipated attraction by tourists who are visiting Bali.

Kecak fire dance is usually performed by 50-70 shirtless male dancers. They sit in a circle in an arena or stage in the center of which there are several torches. Wearing Balinese plaid sarongs (kain poleng), the dancers will calmly shout “cak” while raising both hands. This dance is so unique. Played without the sound of gamelan instruments and does not use a stage background. Dancers only focus on shouting “cak” to run this performance. Their voices are like a choir that creates an energetic feel, as an accompaniment to the epic Ramayana story.

As a form of dramatic dance, Kecak dance is generally performed in an open space at sunset. The Kecak dance pattern is forming a circle. Before the performance begins the dancers will sit tightly while cross-legged in a curved pattern. The cohesiveness of the dancers will create a dynamic, energetic and vibrant rhythm. So that the tempo of the show will feel faster every time, but still offer attractions that are so mesmerizing.

The best location to watch kecak dance performances is at Uluwatu Temple. With the background of the sunset, tourists can watch the kecak dance performance which is phenomenal. Besides Uluwatu Temple, Kecak dance can also be found at Tanah Lot, GWK Cultural Park, Pura Dalem Ubud, Padang Tegal Stage, Batubulan, Umadewi Stage and others

learn more