Sacred Dances of Bali

Bali is a small Idonesian island to the east of Java.  Since the early 20th century, Hinduism has become the dominant religion of the people, influencing the arts, daily life and the culture of Bali.  For the Balinese, music and theatre are one and dance is a divine gift from the goddess Shiva.

Panti Pusaka Budaya, the performance group under the direction I Made Djimat, presented four examples of ritual Balinese dance - two feminine and two masculine.  The dance presentations were accompanied by a traditional Balinese orchestra composed of a gong and various metallophone instruments unique to Bali.  To Western sensibilities, the music is atonal and at times borders on discord.  The stylized dances require both practiced technique and strict form.  The dancers express themselves through facial gestures, hand and foot positions, and a range of tightly controlled body movements.  The beautiful costumes add an aspect of pageantry to the program.
 
What a rare opportunity to see a performance like this in Fez, Morocco.