Bangli, Peace and Harmony

In Bangli
Sacred Dance Assessed with Spiritual Value

Bangli Regency together their members is the continuation center of sacred dances from 156 villages in Bangli Regency. Each village also has the Baris sekeha (dance groups). Through this sekeha-sekeha the artistic value will automatically continue.
This was said by Ida Bagus Sudewa, S.Sos, an actor from Bangli, who is also active for Culture and Tourism to Bali Travel News. “Some sacred dances are Sanghyang Dedari Dance, various types of Baris dances like BAris Gede, BAris tumbak, Baris presi, Baris jojor, Baris juntal, Baris dapdap, etc. There are also other sacred dances like rejang, wayang pendet, mask dance, which is obliged to be staged at each temple ceremony,” he said.
In Bangli these sacred dances are always related with ceremonies within the temple or any other ceremonial activities by society. “As well as possessing of certain meanings and symbols, it is loaded with spiritual values,’’ at the same time enhancing this sacred dance is usually preceded with certain ceremonies for the dancer like biayakala, having a meaning of spiritual purification.
When asked whether those dances are facing extinction, he said the dances are probably unable to survive like Baris kloping Dance in Kedua Village, Tembuku Sub district all because for the last tens years the dance was seldom carried on stage. For this reason he is re-constructing the dance by mustering various help from elite figure.” Even though it has started to disappear in its own origin, other rising generations in Bangli are extremely motivated to learn the sacred dance of their ancestor’s heritage,” he said. (BTN / Suka)