There are dozens of
different dances in Bali. And that all part of the fascinating Balinese
cultures. This time you will get information about the famous dance in Bali,
Kacak Dance.
Kecak is a form of
Balinese dance and music drama that developed in the 1930s in
Bali. It is performed primarily by men, although as of 2006, a few women's kecak
groups exist.
Also known as the Ramayana
Monkey Chant, the piece, performed by a circle of many mans performers wearing
checked cloth around their waists, percussively chanting "cak" and
throwing up their arms, depicts a battle from the Ramayana.
Kecak (Monkey) Dance -
Performed by a group of at least 50 mens who dance in a circle around blazing
bamboo torches. Possibly the most dramatic of the 3 dances, it has been taken
from the Hindu epic Ramayana, the dance tells the story of Prince Rama and his
rescue of Princess Sita, who has been kidnapped by the evil King of Lanka. The
chorus of men, who provide the orchestral accompaniment with complex and varied
chants that company their swaying movements. The only music to accompany them
are the beats of their palms hitting their chests, their thighs, or other parts
of their bodies, or their claps, rhythmically accompanied by shouting and
chanting. Flickering torches provide lighting and an enchanting atmosphere.
Kecak dance is such an old traditional dance, but now it has been modified into
some roles or models in the same concept and culture based on the Bali’s
tourism demand. Since 1970s, the Kecak Dance continued to experience some
changes, especially in terms of story and staging techniques.
The name “Kecak” is comes from the words “cak cak cak” that shouted by the dancers during the show. Moreover, the sound “cak cak cak” is also become the background music of this dance. This Kecak dance become a unique presentation for it plays by a group of men, when all of them are sitting in line or circle sounding a special rhythm while shouting a capella “cak cak cak” and raising their hands up high.
The name “Kecak” is comes from the words “cak cak cak” that shouted by the dancers during the show. Moreover, the sound “cak cak cak” is also become the background music of this dance. This Kecak dance become a unique presentation for it plays by a group of men, when all of them are sitting in line or circle sounding a special rhythm while shouting a capella “cak cak cak” and raising their hands up high.